Yes...I still exist. No...I haven't forgotten about my blog. This lovely page has been on my list of things to do (or the sticky note that will eternally be stuck to my desk) every day since the last time I wrote. I am just now getting to it.
Beings that classes are officiall over for the semester and all that is left is finals and Christmas parties I have found some time to get some of the long term things on my lest checked off. My blog being one of them. I am going to try to start doing weekly updates again- the past few weeks have just been extremely unforgiving.
Since the end of October life has pretty well been non stop. Not a lot of sleep, eating, or fun having per say...but it hasn't been horrible. My 21 credits rules my life along with two jobs, clubs, and occasional sleep! November started out with midterms which weren't bad...the only problem was that they all laid within one week. I took five tests and a quiz that first week of November- it was horrible. But, I managed to do well on the tests, although I did not manage to find time to sleep. We wrapped up the marching band season as well, so it was nice to have that extra time every day to myself. I started/finished my teaching hours in Faulkton- I ended up going three times. It was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it, but it did cost me a lot in gas money and time. No matter when I went I had to skip classes and leave Brookings by 5:30 (5:15 if the weather was crap). I would get there by 8:30- teach or help with teaching all day and then leave around 4, putting me back in Brookings by 7-7:30. So, it turned out to be some longs days. In fact, the last one I did not plan very well. I wasn't thinking and planned in on a Friday...but I worked the midnight to 3am shift the night before...leaving about 2 hours between the time I would get home and drive to Faulkton. Normally, 2 hours of sleep would not be a huge deal (it's doable) but I was not willing to risk driving three hours on 2 hours of sleep. So, I realized this at about 6pm that night and started calling. No one would take the shift and I had this huge project to get done- which meant I would not be able to sleep before work. Eventually, out of the goodness of a friends heart, he took the shift for me- whew!
So other than that...o I got sick, that was fun. We thought it was just H1N1, but after like three or four days I went in again and found out I also had strep. That put me out of commission for like a week and a half, and made me real slow for 2-3 weeks. I also had to miss the national Block and Bridle convention in combination with the North American Livestock Expo in Lousville...bummer. But, I was able to get out of the plane ticket and and life went on. The rest of the month basically consisted of a arrament of meetings, classes, work, and studying.
More recently at work we have been recieving corn samples and testing them for mycotoxins. Now, I dont' actually get to do all the testing (of course we can't do the fun stuff) but we do get to do all the prep work. So we orgnize and do spreadsheets along with moisture, drying, grinding, packaging...the list goes on. This has at least kept us busy enought to avoid our completely oblivious boss (alwasy a good thing).
December has teated me well this far. A slight lack of sleep and a strange illness, but nothing too terrible. Last week was the worst of all. I had all my final "regular" chapter tests to do as well as a gagillion projects. The education people like to make you do these huge projects and then tack on a final as well- annoying. My tests turned out ok. I will not have to take two of my optional finals as a result of doing well on them so I'm happy with that. Now, onto finals. It should not be too bad- I have three tests and one take home test. I started studying for a bit tonight but will do the bulk of it tomorrow.
The hardest test should be meats, but I ablsolutely loved the class and learned a ton, so studying should not be too difficult. My Indians of North America professor is doing a file test...meaning you just study the old tests (easy enough for me). The other is an education test that I am not worried about...although I have to stay until Friday to take the darn thing.
One last intersting tid bit...probably too much info but maybe someone has heard of this before- you never know. So about two months ago I had this random spot on my stomache. No big deal- looked like a spider bite. I get these things all the time and am very prone to allergic rashes and whatnot. Well it never went away and last week randomly grew like three or four times it size and spread. I decided that it must be ringworm or something that I picked up from Ace or cattle or whatever. So I went in to student death. I tell the lady about it and finally show it to her and she looks at it and goes "ummm that's not ringworm- I'll be right back". That's always a good thing to hear from a doctor! lol, so she comes back with a dermatology book and shows me some picture of what it is. Turns out it's a virus that has no defined cause. Who knows how or why I got it, but it is supposed to get worse over the next two weeks and then go away. I just though it was really random and intersting. This is one of those things most people would be grossed out by and possibly freaked out by. I, on the other hand was totally intregued! haha...imagine that- I am strange.
But, as far as that goes there isn't much else to add...I might have a friend...that's a boy. But nothing official (and we all know how much Sara loves drama) so that's all I'm sharing!
I'm thinking that sleep is a good choice at this point. So, that's where I'm headed. I WILL write back soon...sooner than a month! sorry...
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
So it's basically meant forever.
This means I definitly won't be summarizing days but I will summarize things in clumps.
The few days before FFA convention kept me busy going to meetings and trying to catch up on homework. Needless to say, there was no way to get everything done before I left, so on Tuesday the 20th, we took off from SDSU at seven. There were six of us. Our advisor, Brad Blaha, Dani Herring, Brett Monson, Josh Johnson, Shawn Moore, and me. Yeah, so we all have our stuff for five days and all the free crap and the booth (complete with directors chairs) that we had to bring with us in the suburban. There was just hardly enough room for Josh to fit in the back!
It was a nice, long ride- I think it's supposed to be around 12-13 hours but we left early so that we could make a pit stop in Chicago. But, before we even did that we took a detour through New Ulm and saw the Shell brewery. If you don't know, that's where they make Grain Belt Beer- enf of story. lol
Brad lived there for six months and worked at the flour mill just after he graduated from SDSU. So, we took the round about route, toured Chicago, saw the flour mill briefly, and then ate at this authentic Mexican restuarant. Now, Brad had been talking up these Carne Asada (steak) burritos all night. So we all ordered one. They were huge. Absolutely ridiculous. We ended up calling them babies wrapped in tortillas because I'm quite confident they were as large, if not larger than a baby! Don't take that the wrong way, it's only size comparison!
So anyway, we left Chicago (which was fun to see). I have been there several times but never really explored the city like that. We ended up getting into Indianapolis around 2am the next day. So, needless to say it ended up being a long trip down, but we had fun.
We spent the next few days at Convention. It was quite the experience. I have actaully been to convention six times, but each time has been for a different reason. I actually really enjoyed going as a rep for SDSU and being an "exibitor". You get some extra privlages (like free breakfast and cheaper lunch) and we had more free time to roam around. I got to see lots of old friends from all over the country. And each night Brett and I found friends to go out with. One night we had to take a cab home and another night we drove the rest of our group back to the hotel...
It was a fun time, Convention is almost better than Christmas- not gunna lie. We left around 4 on Friday afternoon and stopped back in Chicago. This time we actually toured the flour mill- and it was really neat. I have done a lot of factory tours, but never a flour mill. We got to see quite a bit, and although I have a pretty nasty flour allergy (to the dust anway) I still had fun. I just lived with the after effects for a while, but turned out just fine. So we drove all night and got back into Brookings just in time for Hobo Day, at about 7:30am. That left me enough time to shower and change into my band uniform and head to 8:30am rehearsal...ugh. It was actually a pretty fun day. We did the parade (always a good time) then took a couple hours to hang out with the family (Mom brought Grandma and Grandpa up) and then went to the game. Did the whole band thing there, ate at HyVee with the family, then later that night I worked at the front desk. I honestly don't think I did anything else. Pretty sure I came home and went to bed. What an exciting Hobo Day- but hey I guess the parade and game were fun. After all we did win quite the game.
I spent the next Sunday doing homework.
This last week was basically ridiculous. Monday night was our CFFA Halloween Party/bonfire. So, I spent quite a bit of time with that whole deal and really didn't feel that amazing- but it actually turned out great and was a really good time. The weather was perfect. But, on came the rest of the week. It was basically full of studying and homework. All the time. I had some fun on Wenesday and went over to friend, Rachel's, place for pheasant and chislic. Amazingness. On Thursday I took off for Faulkton again at about 5:30. That was an interesting morning. I fell asleep without setting my alarm... I never do that but I did that night. And somehow, God was watching out for me, but somehow after going to bed at 12:30am, I woke up at 4:45am in time to take off for Faulkton. It was amzazing and I was really fortunate. But, I made it with no problem and had a great day. I had prepared a lesson and taught it- it went awesome! I was excited. By the next class period, Ms. Stratmeyer's cold was getting pretty bad, so I actually did her lesson. I had never seen the power point before, but it was just on livestock classifications- so it was fun and easy. Both of the lessons went well, and I had a good time. I've decided that I like the younger ones, Freshman and Jr. High- they are a lot of fun and still at the stage where you can mold their minds! haha- good times. At the end of the day they had parent/teacher conferences, so I stayed for a while. It was pretty interesting- I definitly learned that the apple does not fall far from the tree! It was really insightful.
Yesterday was pretty interesting. Thursday night when I got back from Faulkton I ended up studying until 4am. Then, the next day I got up at six. And proceeded to go to classes, take the test (which I'm really not sure about), work at the lab, then go to an officer meeting. After the 3:00 meeting I came home, slept for four hours, then went to my job at the desk from 8 till midnight. It wasn't all that bad except for waking up completely confused at 7:30...it was rather funny, I coudn't figure out why my neighbor was blaring his music at 7:30 in the morning- they are usuall still hung over or sleeping! But, I went to work, and came home and slept.
This morning I just got up when I woke up and basically did homework all day long. At eight I watched a couple movies with my friend and neighbor Lauren, and now I'm sitting here typing and thinking about setting up my schedule for next semester. Guess we'll see how things go! What an exciting Halloween.
From what I've heard, Merle was helping Delbert for a few days, and recently working on moving cattle around on his place again. He said that today he was able to get come calves moved out of the corral at Dicks. Apparently it was quite the task becasue the muck was deep- so it was nice to have done. I think all the calves are weaned now- but I can't be certain- guess I'll have to ask! Otherwise, it sounds like things are going well!
Well, I'm gunna think about sleeping or making a schedule for next semester...
This means I definitly won't be summarizing days but I will summarize things in clumps.
The few days before FFA convention kept me busy going to meetings and trying to catch up on homework. Needless to say, there was no way to get everything done before I left, so on Tuesday the 20th, we took off from SDSU at seven. There were six of us. Our advisor, Brad Blaha, Dani Herring, Brett Monson, Josh Johnson, Shawn Moore, and me. Yeah, so we all have our stuff for five days and all the free crap and the booth (complete with directors chairs) that we had to bring with us in the suburban. There was just hardly enough room for Josh to fit in the back!
It was a nice, long ride- I think it's supposed to be around 12-13 hours but we left early so that we could make a pit stop in Chicago. But, before we even did that we took a detour through New Ulm and saw the Shell brewery. If you don't know, that's where they make Grain Belt Beer- enf of story. lol
Brad lived there for six months and worked at the flour mill just after he graduated from SDSU. So, we took the round about route, toured Chicago, saw the flour mill briefly, and then ate at this authentic Mexican restuarant. Now, Brad had been talking up these Carne Asada (steak) burritos all night. So we all ordered one. They were huge. Absolutely ridiculous. We ended up calling them babies wrapped in tortillas because I'm quite confident they were as large, if not larger than a baby! Don't take that the wrong way, it's only size comparison!
So anyway, we left Chicago (which was fun to see). I have been there several times but never really explored the city like that. We ended up getting into Indianapolis around 2am the next day. So, needless to say it ended up being a long trip down, but we had fun.
We spent the next few days at Convention. It was quite the experience. I have actaully been to convention six times, but each time has been for a different reason. I actually really enjoyed going as a rep for SDSU and being an "exibitor". You get some extra privlages (like free breakfast and cheaper lunch) and we had more free time to roam around. I got to see lots of old friends from all over the country. And each night Brett and I found friends to go out with. One night we had to take a cab home and another night we drove the rest of our group back to the hotel...
It was a fun time, Convention is almost better than Christmas- not gunna lie. We left around 4 on Friday afternoon and stopped back in Chicago. This time we actually toured the flour mill- and it was really neat. I have done a lot of factory tours, but never a flour mill. We got to see quite a bit, and although I have a pretty nasty flour allergy (to the dust anway) I still had fun. I just lived with the after effects for a while, but turned out just fine. So we drove all night and got back into Brookings just in time for Hobo Day, at about 7:30am. That left me enough time to shower and change into my band uniform and head to 8:30am rehearsal...ugh. It was actually a pretty fun day. We did the parade (always a good time) then took a couple hours to hang out with the family (Mom brought Grandma and Grandpa up) and then went to the game. Did the whole band thing there, ate at HyVee with the family, then later that night I worked at the front desk. I honestly don't think I did anything else. Pretty sure I came home and went to bed. What an exciting Hobo Day- but hey I guess the parade and game were fun. After all we did win quite the game.
I spent the next Sunday doing homework.
This last week was basically ridiculous. Monday night was our CFFA Halloween Party/bonfire. So, I spent quite a bit of time with that whole deal and really didn't feel that amazing- but it actually turned out great and was a really good time. The weather was perfect. But, on came the rest of the week. It was basically full of studying and homework. All the time. I had some fun on Wenesday and went over to friend, Rachel's, place for pheasant and chislic. Amazingness. On Thursday I took off for Faulkton again at about 5:30. That was an interesting morning. I fell asleep without setting my alarm... I never do that but I did that night. And somehow, God was watching out for me, but somehow after going to bed at 12:30am, I woke up at 4:45am in time to take off for Faulkton. It was amzazing and I was really fortunate. But, I made it with no problem and had a great day. I had prepared a lesson and taught it- it went awesome! I was excited. By the next class period, Ms. Stratmeyer's cold was getting pretty bad, so I actually did her lesson. I had never seen the power point before, but it was just on livestock classifications- so it was fun and easy. Both of the lessons went well, and I had a good time. I've decided that I like the younger ones, Freshman and Jr. High- they are a lot of fun and still at the stage where you can mold their minds! haha- good times. At the end of the day they had parent/teacher conferences, so I stayed for a while. It was pretty interesting- I definitly learned that the apple does not fall far from the tree! It was really insightful.
Yesterday was pretty interesting. Thursday night when I got back from Faulkton I ended up studying until 4am. Then, the next day I got up at six. And proceeded to go to classes, take the test (which I'm really not sure about), work at the lab, then go to an officer meeting. After the 3:00 meeting I came home, slept for four hours, then went to my job at the desk from 8 till midnight. It wasn't all that bad except for waking up completely confused at 7:30...it was rather funny, I coudn't figure out why my neighbor was blaring his music at 7:30 in the morning- they are usuall still hung over or sleeping! But, I went to work, and came home and slept.
This morning I just got up when I woke up and basically did homework all day long. At eight I watched a couple movies with my friend and neighbor Lauren, and now I'm sitting here typing and thinking about setting up my schedule for next semester. Guess we'll see how things go! What an exciting Halloween.
From what I've heard, Merle was helping Delbert for a few days, and recently working on moving cattle around on his place again. He said that today he was able to get come calves moved out of the corral at Dicks. Apparently it was quite the task becasue the muck was deep- so it was nice to have done. I think all the calves are weaned now- but I can't be certain- guess I'll have to ask! Otherwise, it sounds like things are going well!
Well, I'm gunna think about sleeping or making a schedule for next semester...
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Meetings and more meetings...
This last week has been pretty average...nothing too horrible, nothing too exciting. On Tuesday, I went to classes as usual and did quite a bit of homework and errands in between times. I went home after my later lab- it was about 5:30- to find that our kitchen sink was clogged. My roomates asked me what to do...lol. Gotta love it- so Cody and I went to Wal Mart and bought one of those cheap little sink plungers after scavenging around to find that we did not have a pluger that hadn't been used for its intended purpose! haha- so we ran to Walmart, entertained the dude in the checkout line with our story and then went home. It unplugged the drain quite easily, and I was glad because I seriously think Ellie may have passed out if I took the trap off- she's doesn't like that sort of thing. I'm sooo not used to living with a "normal" girl who doesn't particularly like those types of things...haha, it's good for me! But, the most ironic thing of all was that the plumber was just over to our apartment earlier that afternoon to put a gasket in our faucet, boy we have quite the timing. Anyway, we got the sink situation undercontrol and I headed off to a benefit supper. I got there just in time to find out that they had quit serving, so I put in my money and left hungry...dang. Then, headed to a Little I meeting and learned the ropes of this year, and went home did homework and went to bed.
Wednesday was jam packed as usual. The day started with a 7am ambassadors meeting. Then, I went to my normal course load and managed to get some homework and studying done here and there but then came the headache. I went to work at the lab in the afternoon and really needed the hours because I"ll be gone next week for national FFA convention, but it ended up being quite pointless. I felt pretty nasty from either a cold or a lack of sleep, or both and my boss was teaching lab and I had nothing to do that I knew of. So I stayed for a couple hours and left without the hours...oh well. I ran home and started to make this chip dip for our optional Spanish pot luck night for Argentina class and realized (with the help of my roommates) that it would be much smarter to skip it and stay home and study and sleep. So, I did. I went to my Block and Bridle meeting at seven, gave my report and went home to hang with the roomates while doing homework. I finally just gave up and went to bed.
Thursday was the exception of this week. I had this day reserved for quite some time so that I could travel to Faulkton (about three hours) and do my required observation time for class. Now, I originally had Faulkton as my third choice on my sheet- but somehow I ended up with it. It's a really awesome program, but a long drive! I got up at 4:30 and was on the road by 5:15. The best part was that I didn't know HWY 212 was non existant for 45 miles and only consisted of a hard, potholed, gravel surface...worse than Hisle road if anyone can believe that! Since I had already gone that far there was no point in turing back and going another way- so I drove the whole way on this crap they call a Highway- keeping in mind that the whole drive it was misting and foggy. I finally made it there about 8:20 and headed to the classroom with some time to spare. The day actually went really well. They started off with an assembly, and then went back to class. I had a chance to do some observing, but also some interaction and assisted with some teaching. I really enjoyed most of the students and love the teaching style Ms. Stratmeyer uses. I stayed all day and left around 4. That WOULD have put me back in Brookings around 7 but I got to Huron and had to wait for a train to hook up to some cars for about a half hour! It was just not my day for travel. Oh well, at least I got some phone calls made while I was sitting there. When I finally came home, I took a short nap, ate supper and then headed to Bowling for Boobs- a Coleges Against Cancer fundraiser event at the bowling alley. We ended up with twice the amount of people we had last yer..amazing. There was a line of about an hour just to get a lane! I took money at the door and I can't be sure how many people and money came through there, but it was definitly something else- and pretty fun. Although, I still had my naggin headache so I went home about 11, did some homework and headed to bed.
That made this morning a hard one to get out of bed. But, I managed. I went to classes and work at the lab and band outside in the rain...fun. Then, I had a chance to go home for a couple hours, study, and tried to sleep for an hour or two but had no luck. That will mess me up for tomorrow...I started work at the front desk at 8 and will be here for another half hour until 3am. That is one long double shift here. But, hey it's money. But, the best part of today: my roomate from freshman year, Rachael Fithian, came to visit from Lincoln! It was so exciting to see her. Cody and her stopped by and talked to me for a couple hours to keep me company between my study sessions! It was great. But, it's getting about time for me to clean up now. I'm looking forward to game day tomorrow, minus the cold factor!
I haven't heard a lot from the ranch, but I think thing are going alright- there's always something to do. As far as around here I'm beginning to think we are never going to get the crops out, hardly anyone has anything out yet at home! I guess time will tell:s
Wednesday was jam packed as usual. The day started with a 7am ambassadors meeting. Then, I went to my normal course load and managed to get some homework and studying done here and there but then came the headache. I went to work at the lab in the afternoon and really needed the hours because I"ll be gone next week for national FFA convention, but it ended up being quite pointless. I felt pretty nasty from either a cold or a lack of sleep, or both and my boss was teaching lab and I had nothing to do that I knew of. So I stayed for a couple hours and left without the hours...oh well. I ran home and started to make this chip dip for our optional Spanish pot luck night for Argentina class and realized (with the help of my roommates) that it would be much smarter to skip it and stay home and study and sleep. So, I did. I went to my Block and Bridle meeting at seven, gave my report and went home to hang with the roomates while doing homework. I finally just gave up and went to bed.
Thursday was the exception of this week. I had this day reserved for quite some time so that I could travel to Faulkton (about three hours) and do my required observation time for class. Now, I originally had Faulkton as my third choice on my sheet- but somehow I ended up with it. It's a really awesome program, but a long drive! I got up at 4:30 and was on the road by 5:15. The best part was that I didn't know HWY 212 was non existant for 45 miles and only consisted of a hard, potholed, gravel surface...worse than Hisle road if anyone can believe that! Since I had already gone that far there was no point in turing back and going another way- so I drove the whole way on this crap they call a Highway- keeping in mind that the whole drive it was misting and foggy. I finally made it there about 8:20 and headed to the classroom with some time to spare. The day actually went really well. They started off with an assembly, and then went back to class. I had a chance to do some observing, but also some interaction and assisted with some teaching. I really enjoyed most of the students and love the teaching style Ms. Stratmeyer uses. I stayed all day and left around 4. That WOULD have put me back in Brookings around 7 but I got to Huron and had to wait for a train to hook up to some cars for about a half hour! It was just not my day for travel. Oh well, at least I got some phone calls made while I was sitting there. When I finally came home, I took a short nap, ate supper and then headed to Bowling for Boobs- a Coleges Against Cancer fundraiser event at the bowling alley. We ended up with twice the amount of people we had last yer..amazing. There was a line of about an hour just to get a lane! I took money at the door and I can't be sure how many people and money came through there, but it was definitly something else- and pretty fun. Although, I still had my naggin headache so I went home about 11, did some homework and headed to bed.
That made this morning a hard one to get out of bed. But, I managed. I went to classes and work at the lab and band outside in the rain...fun. Then, I had a chance to go home for a couple hours, study, and tried to sleep for an hour or two but had no luck. That will mess me up for tomorrow...I started work at the front desk at 8 and will be here for another half hour until 3am. That is one long double shift here. But, hey it's money. But, the best part of today: my roomate from freshman year, Rachael Fithian, came to visit from Lincoln! It was so exciting to see her. Cody and her stopped by and talked to me for a couple hours to keep me company between my study sessions! It was great. But, it's getting about time for me to clean up now. I'm looking forward to game day tomorrow, minus the cold factor!
I haven't heard a lot from the ranch, but I think thing are going alright- there's always something to do. As far as around here I'm beginning to think we are never going to get the crops out, hardly anyone has anything out yet at home! I guess time will tell:s
Monday, October 12, 2009
Band Trip
Another week flies by.
So I left off at last Wednesday. I went to my gajillions of morning classes and then was supposed to work from 12 to 4. But, of course I had to go somewhere else instead of make some money! We had our field trip to Mickelson Middle School for my middle school philosophies class. O, how interesting. I met my pen pal, Katelyn. I think she was a bit dissapointed that I wasn't as cute and sporty as most of the girls in my class, but oh well! She was a really sweet girl who pretty much defined innocent, she wantd to be a vet for a while but then decided she could never give a dog or cat a shot! ...cute. So I did that whole deal and then headed for band. It was the first time I had gone that week because I was on that ambassadors trip Monday and have lab over band every Tuesday! So, I was filled in on what I missed for our trip and went on with my day. I spent the night doing homework, oodles of it. But managed to only get a little done before crashing into my bed.
Thursday was a whole different story. It was kinda nice because I didn't have middle school class becasue of our field trip, and we didn't have band because of the trip we were leaving for that night...so I just went to my 8am soils class and headed to work at the lab for the day. And it was a looong day, but hey I made some money, even if I do work for a dink. (I can think of no better word). I had a meeting for my desk job at 6:30 and then headd home to pack and put homework together for the trip. Eight o'clock came soon enough and I grabbed a ride from a friend and hopped on the bus. Virginia, me, and a few friends all ended up on this stupid "party bus". The definition of party bus is something like: a bunch of drunk idiots who sit at the back of the bus, drink more, make lots of ridiculous noise, and are generally a pain in the butt". ...once again the best I can think of for a description. So, I tried to do some homework and attempted to sleep. I ended up with my own seat, which was nice, but still not real comfortable for any kind of sleep. To top it off we stopped every 2 to 2 1/2 hours...annoying! But, eventually we made it to Springfield Missouri at about 7:30am. They took us straight to Golden Corral for breakfast...ew. But, beggars can't be choosers. So after breakfast we went stright to the Missouri State for reaherasal. It was cold and rainy ( just what I was hoping for in the south...) so the woodwinds didn't even get our instruments out, we just marched on the field. After our few hour rehearsal we went back to the busses, grabbed a box lunch, and went to the hotel to change clothes and shower! Afterward we went to the Dixie Stampede show in Brandson! O boy, I tell you what, I've never seen so many fake cowboys in one place. But the show was actually pretty good, good food, some trick riders, cool effects to go with their games and stories, and very well trained horses- pretty sure anyone could hop on and do the show on them. We came back to the hotel afterward and my room pretty much did some homework and went to bed.
Saturday was interesting, we got up and ate at the hotel around 6:30. Then, got on the busses and headed over to the stadium. We did a short rehearsal with the other band for the national anthem and then had some time to wander around their campus before getting ready for the game. We checked out the student union, bookstore, a dorm, the brand new event center, and their band hall. Pretty nice stuff, in fact it sorta felt like a campus, rather then one huge mud hole of a constuction zone (SDSU at the moment)! But, the time came and we put our uniforms on and headed over to a short rehearsal, follow by lunch from the other band. They were really nice, fed us, and a littel brass group even played some stuff while we ate. But then came the game. We were supposed to march on the field with a simple whistle roll off after they were finished with their pre game show...well somthing went dreadfully wrong. You couldn't hear the whistle (if there even was one) and we all went on at different times... it was horrible, but there was nothing we could do. We played the anthem, and got off the field. Half time was much much better, we played a great show, and so did they. Apparently it made tv? That's what I was told anyway. The rest of the time was sorta fun, Peterson (new director that few really like) wes cranky from pregame most of the time, but we didn't care. We palyed on our offense and the other band played on theirs. The only troule we had was with their fans when we went to the other side of the field for the field show. They were yelling some pretty nasty stuff at us, but I'm over it. In the very last min. of the game it looked like they were going to tie us, but SDSU intercepted a pass in the enzone and won it! Amazing win! woo hoo~ When the game was over we headed back to a pizza place called "Incredible Pizza". This was basically an arcade with a buffet line. The food was ok, I wouldn't say incredible but whatever. We filled out these little info cards and got a free game of mini golf. So me and my table indulged in our very exciting game of golf and filled out this littel questioneere card that had answers for the q's on it throughout the course and each got four free tickets. We cashed them all in for one bag of sour patch kids...ooo ahh. We spent the rest of the time there watching the indoor go carts...kinda fun! Then, headed back to the hotel and were bums once again and pretty much sat around and went to bed.
Sunday, I woke up and went to church at this Presbtyerian chuch back on the Missouri State campus. The pastor was absolutely amazing- I would go there anyday! But, afterward we headed back to the hotel and loaded up the busses with everyone who hadn't gone to church. Then, set sail for Brandson landing. We had the afternoon there. The drumline and brass line did some short performances at the landing and we spent the rest of the time eating/ shopping. I invested in some earrings and that was about it. At about four we headed back to Springfield, ate again at Golden Corral...ugh, and headed home. Again, the bus stopped every two hours or so! So annoying. We made it back at about 6am. Virginia's roomate came and got us and dropped me off at home. I unpacked, showered and wen to bed to get some real sleep for a few hours. Then, woke up and did homework all afternoon until my 7:30 Block and Bridle meeting. After which I came back here and did some more homework. Now, I'm about ready to hit the sack..kinda feel cruddy, I'm hoping it's just a lack of food/sleep.
Overall, the trip was fun, not the most amazing thing I've ever done, but definilty not the worst. From the sounds of ranch news, Glen is home recovering, and Merle says he fells like he's been running around for few days getting different errands done- it's gotta get done sometime. ...and I think he got an antelope, jealous. Otherwise it's been snowing and cold both here and there. Ugh! Hope it warms up one last time so I can mow the grass at home. They found our water leak, but now the yard looks like a bunch of land mines hit it! lol...oh well.
I'm headed to bed~
So I left off at last Wednesday. I went to my gajillions of morning classes and then was supposed to work from 12 to 4. But, of course I had to go somewhere else instead of make some money! We had our field trip to Mickelson Middle School for my middle school philosophies class. O, how interesting. I met my pen pal, Katelyn. I think she was a bit dissapointed that I wasn't as cute and sporty as most of the girls in my class, but oh well! She was a really sweet girl who pretty much defined innocent, she wantd to be a vet for a while but then decided she could never give a dog or cat a shot! ...cute. So I did that whole deal and then headed for band. It was the first time I had gone that week because I was on that ambassadors trip Monday and have lab over band every Tuesday! So, I was filled in on what I missed for our trip and went on with my day. I spent the night doing homework, oodles of it. But managed to only get a little done before crashing into my bed.
Thursday was a whole different story. It was kinda nice because I didn't have middle school class becasue of our field trip, and we didn't have band because of the trip we were leaving for that night...so I just went to my 8am soils class and headed to work at the lab for the day. And it was a looong day, but hey I made some money, even if I do work for a dink. (I can think of no better word). I had a meeting for my desk job at 6:30 and then headd home to pack and put homework together for the trip. Eight o'clock came soon enough and I grabbed a ride from a friend and hopped on the bus. Virginia, me, and a few friends all ended up on this stupid "party bus". The definition of party bus is something like: a bunch of drunk idiots who sit at the back of the bus, drink more, make lots of ridiculous noise, and are generally a pain in the butt". ...once again the best I can think of for a description. So, I tried to do some homework and attempted to sleep. I ended up with my own seat, which was nice, but still not real comfortable for any kind of sleep. To top it off we stopped every 2 to 2 1/2 hours...annoying! But, eventually we made it to Springfield Missouri at about 7:30am. They took us straight to Golden Corral for breakfast...ew. But, beggars can't be choosers. So after breakfast we went stright to the Missouri State for reaherasal. It was cold and rainy ( just what I was hoping for in the south...) so the woodwinds didn't even get our instruments out, we just marched on the field. After our few hour rehearsal we went back to the busses, grabbed a box lunch, and went to the hotel to change clothes and shower! Afterward we went to the Dixie Stampede show in Brandson! O boy, I tell you what, I've never seen so many fake cowboys in one place. But the show was actually pretty good, good food, some trick riders, cool effects to go with their games and stories, and very well trained horses- pretty sure anyone could hop on and do the show on them. We came back to the hotel afterward and my room pretty much did some homework and went to bed.
Saturday was interesting, we got up and ate at the hotel around 6:30. Then, got on the busses and headed over to the stadium. We did a short rehearsal with the other band for the national anthem and then had some time to wander around their campus before getting ready for the game. We checked out the student union, bookstore, a dorm, the brand new event center, and their band hall. Pretty nice stuff, in fact it sorta felt like a campus, rather then one huge mud hole of a constuction zone (SDSU at the moment)! But, the time came and we put our uniforms on and headed over to a short rehearsal, follow by lunch from the other band. They were really nice, fed us, and a littel brass group even played some stuff while we ate. But then came the game. We were supposed to march on the field with a simple whistle roll off after they were finished with their pre game show...well somthing went dreadfully wrong. You couldn't hear the whistle (if there even was one) and we all went on at different times... it was horrible, but there was nothing we could do. We played the anthem, and got off the field. Half time was much much better, we played a great show, and so did they. Apparently it made tv? That's what I was told anyway. The rest of the time was sorta fun, Peterson (new director that few really like) wes cranky from pregame most of the time, but we didn't care. We palyed on our offense and the other band played on theirs. The only troule we had was with their fans when we went to the other side of the field for the field show. They were yelling some pretty nasty stuff at us, but I'm over it. In the very last min. of the game it looked like they were going to tie us, but SDSU intercepted a pass in the enzone and won it! Amazing win! woo hoo~ When the game was over we headed back to a pizza place called "Incredible Pizza". This was basically an arcade with a buffet line. The food was ok, I wouldn't say incredible but whatever. We filled out these little info cards and got a free game of mini golf. So me and my table indulged in our very exciting game of golf and filled out this littel questioneere card that had answers for the q's on it throughout the course and each got four free tickets. We cashed them all in for one bag of sour patch kids...ooo ahh. We spent the rest of the time there watching the indoor go carts...kinda fun! Then, headed back to the hotel and were bums once again and pretty much sat around and went to bed.
Sunday, I woke up and went to church at this Presbtyerian chuch back on the Missouri State campus. The pastor was absolutely amazing- I would go there anyday! But, afterward we headed back to the hotel and loaded up the busses with everyone who hadn't gone to church. Then, set sail for Brandson landing. We had the afternoon there. The drumline and brass line did some short performances at the landing and we spent the rest of the time eating/ shopping. I invested in some earrings and that was about it. At about four we headed back to Springfield, ate again at Golden Corral...ugh, and headed home. Again, the bus stopped every two hours or so! So annoying. We made it back at about 6am. Virginia's roomate came and got us and dropped me off at home. I unpacked, showered and wen to bed to get some real sleep for a few hours. Then, woke up and did homework all afternoon until my 7:30 Block and Bridle meeting. After which I came back here and did some more homework. Now, I'm about ready to hit the sack..kinda feel cruddy, I'm hoping it's just a lack of food/sleep.
Overall, the trip was fun, not the most amazing thing I've ever done, but definilty not the worst. From the sounds of ranch news, Glen is home recovering, and Merle says he fells like he's been running around for few days getting different errands done- it's gotta get done sometime. ...and I think he got an antelope, jealous. Otherwise it's been snowing and cold both here and there. Ugh! Hope it warms up one last time so I can mow the grass at home. They found our water leak, but now the yard looks like a bunch of land mines hit it! lol...oh well.
I'm headed to bed~
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Whew
O where to start.
It's like every night I say- O I should write in my blog tomorrow, and then go to bed...tonight I decded to just stay up and write before I'm so far behind that I can't recall a thing! So the last time I wrote was on the 27th! A long time ago.
Starting Monday the 28th things got pretty busy and haven't quit since. I had a few random things on the agenda that day and a PAS meeting that night. We had a quiz that was terrible in our Argentina class...but no one was too concerned because we all did bad. Hopefully those scores won't count for much- how do you fail a trip class anyway! lol The MediaCom guys actually came back that day and fixed our cable...or so we thought. It took three of them about two hours and when they left they said they still weren't sure if it was working right...ugh seriously. Now, a week or so later it isn't working again. I also decided that day that I was going to go to National FFA Convention. Yes, I will miss school, but it is an excused absense and only comes around once a year. I will have an expense paid trip with Ag Bio Ambassadors and work at the SDSU booth! It should be lots of fun:)
Tuesday was another movin' day. I had my classes and labs, and that resulted in a true highlight of the day. We had a pork slaughter lab...most amazing thing ever! I really liked being a part of the entire process and seeing and acutally doing all of the proper slaughter steps from live anminal to commercial cuts of meat. It was great! I can honesly say that I love that class...and I don't say that often, belive me. So, we killed our pig (named Ralphie II) and went to soils lab. In that lab we did legal land discriptions, something I can catch onto fast and is very useful- I actually liked that lab as well. After labs I ran home and grabbed my chip dip that I had made earlier in the day for a Spanish potluck that we were having for Argentina class that night. it was optinoal but me and my friend Melissa decided that we must go and do better with our Spanish! That was fun, be we could only stay for an hour because she had to study and I had to meet some land renters with Virginia in Brookings for supper...there's nothing like double eating! I spent that night studying my life away... as I had for several nights before.
I had my 7am ambassador meeting on Wednesday followed by a visit to the area multi-district for one of my teaching classes. As if that wasn't enough, I came back home and ran straight to Religion class, follwed by Indian's of North America class. I took my meats test that day- it went quite well and then attended a meeting for national Block and Bridle convention. It is held during the North American show in Lousville, KY during the first weekend in November, who cares about school when you can do awesome stuff like that!? lol I'm pretty sure I'll be going! I specifically recall staying up until 3:30 that morning to study for my upcoming tests-soils and middle school philosophy.
I got up at six on Thursday and went to my soils test at 7:15. O what fun. Neither test that day went to terribly, although I was a bit dissapointed in the soils results becuase I studied so much- but he curves so I ended up doing alright with a high B. I can settle for that I guess. I spent thrusday doing more odds and ends. I had a couple meetings and studied a bunch again.
Friday wasn't real exciting either. I had a Religion test and a Indians or NA test. They went fairly well too, so my tests were finally completed! Five in that last week! That night after work at the lab I came back to the apt and went and got Lauren from next door. We rented movies from Cody at the movie store he works at and came back here and watched them. It was nice to just sit back and relax after all of the studying and tests.
But, Saturday came pretty quick. I got up and spent the morning doing odds and ends and packing for my Ag Bio Ambassador retreat that started when we left a at noon. We had six state vehicles and all headed out towards the hills. The destination was a lodge in Keystone, but we played tourist along the way. There a quite a few ambassadors from MN, IA, or NE so they hadn't seen a lot of our dorky SD tourist attractions. We stopped at the corn palace and took that quick tour and then headed on. Everyone wanted to see the badlands so we went down at Kadoka and hopped on hwy 44. My car decided that since I was complaining about how close we would be to the ranch, we should just stop. And we did. We only drove fifteen miles out of our way and only stayed for about twenty minutes, but it was worth it to be there again. Merle was able to meet us and hang out for a few min, then we headed back out. We acually ended up missing supper at the firehouse restuarant in Rapid, but we just met up with everyone and then stopped for fast food on our way to Keystone. We did a quick introduction for all of our new ambassadors that night and then hung out for a while and went to bed. We learned that there is nothing to do in the "off season" in Keystone...at all.
We spent Saturday planning and doing various retreat like things. We were at this beautiful lodge tucked back on Old Hill City Road and as we were planning and whatnot is started snowing. Yup, that's right, snowing. Now it wasn't accumulating but it was chilly and kinda pretty, just not very welcomed. In case I never mentioned it, Ag Bio Amassadors represent eh SDSU college of ag and bio and go around the midwest visiting high schools for SDSU and serve at various ag events on campus. We finished up our retreat stuff for the day and went out to eat at a Mexican restuarant in town that opened just for our group. The food was great. Afterward two car loads of people decided to go to Mt. Rushmore while the older ones stayed and drank...o boy. So, we load up and head to Mt. Rushmore in the dark, in the snow. I knew what was gonig to happen but thought we should try it out anyway. We get there and there is absolutely no one around. I mean not a sole, not even a park ranger. The lights were on the mountain but you couldn't see it at all- the fog and snow were completely blocking the view and reflecting the light. So....we had a snowball fight. Yeah, that' right we had a snowball fight at night, in the snow, at Mt. Rushmore- probably won't happed again. A few of us decided to take a trail and get a little closer and we eventually could make out the faces to some extent. But, the two girls who had never been there woudn't brave the trail so they didn't get to see them at all! But, hopefully they come back someday, in the daylight, with no snow, when someone is there. So eventually we turned back around and headed toward our lodge. On the way we picked up three guys in our group who were walking back from the restuarant carrying a carton of beer... quite hillarious conisdering that it was cold and snowing! We spent the rest of the night just chatting, then headed to bed.
That next Monday morning was supposed to be the day we all went out and did some west river school vists but when we woke up arond five...there was not electricity, over six inches of snow on the ground and some still coming down, and a massive tree blocking the hotel driveway. Yeah, there was not way the six Chevy Impalas were gunna make it out. After they got the tree moved a few groups were able to get out to their school visits but ours was not. We just loaded up and went home. We made quick stop at Wall Drug for the two people I was riding with who had never been there, and then went back to Brookings. It snowed or rained the whole way...gross. We made it back in time for our Argentina class last night. Then, I came home, fell asleep doing homework and went to bed.
I spent my day today either in class or doing homework. Because I spent every spare second I had last week studying I got a little behind on the homework, but after my six hour shift at the front desk tonight I think I've got a better handle on it. In ranch news for the past week it sounds like they finished up working calves and Merle has kept busy since. He was picking up some cracked corn in Gordon and the pickup we left in Phillip to get body work on a while back. He called me and asked if we brought it there without a spare tire becuse there wasn't one in it. I had to laugh- I think we did. Other times I have called he's been fencing or moving cattle around. I think all the wheat is finished now, so it's odds and ends for the time being it sounds. I am hoping to plan an ambassador visit out west sometime soon and then just stay for the weekend- that would be awesome~
Tomorrow they will start digging with the backhoe at home to try to find our infamous water leak...we'll see what happens.
Alright, definitly bedtime!
It's like every night I say- O I should write in my blog tomorrow, and then go to bed...tonight I decded to just stay up and write before I'm so far behind that I can't recall a thing! So the last time I wrote was on the 27th! A long time ago.
Starting Monday the 28th things got pretty busy and haven't quit since. I had a few random things on the agenda that day and a PAS meeting that night. We had a quiz that was terrible in our Argentina class...but no one was too concerned because we all did bad. Hopefully those scores won't count for much- how do you fail a trip class anyway! lol The MediaCom guys actually came back that day and fixed our cable...or so we thought. It took three of them about two hours and when they left they said they still weren't sure if it was working right...ugh seriously. Now, a week or so later it isn't working again. I also decided that day that I was going to go to National FFA Convention. Yes, I will miss school, but it is an excused absense and only comes around once a year. I will have an expense paid trip with Ag Bio Ambassadors and work at the SDSU booth! It should be lots of fun:)
Tuesday was another movin' day. I had my classes and labs, and that resulted in a true highlight of the day. We had a pork slaughter lab...most amazing thing ever! I really liked being a part of the entire process and seeing and acutally doing all of the proper slaughter steps from live anminal to commercial cuts of meat. It was great! I can honesly say that I love that class...and I don't say that often, belive me. So, we killed our pig (named Ralphie II) and went to soils lab. In that lab we did legal land discriptions, something I can catch onto fast and is very useful- I actually liked that lab as well. After labs I ran home and grabbed my chip dip that I had made earlier in the day for a Spanish potluck that we were having for Argentina class that night. it was optinoal but me and my friend Melissa decided that we must go and do better with our Spanish! That was fun, be we could only stay for an hour because she had to study and I had to meet some land renters with Virginia in Brookings for supper...there's nothing like double eating! I spent that night studying my life away... as I had for several nights before.
I had my 7am ambassador meeting on Wednesday followed by a visit to the area multi-district for one of my teaching classes. As if that wasn't enough, I came back home and ran straight to Religion class, follwed by Indian's of North America class. I took my meats test that day- it went quite well and then attended a meeting for national Block and Bridle convention. It is held during the North American show in Lousville, KY during the first weekend in November, who cares about school when you can do awesome stuff like that!? lol I'm pretty sure I'll be going! I specifically recall staying up until 3:30 that morning to study for my upcoming tests-soils and middle school philosophy.
I got up at six on Thursday and went to my soils test at 7:15. O what fun. Neither test that day went to terribly, although I was a bit dissapointed in the soils results becuase I studied so much- but he curves so I ended up doing alright with a high B. I can settle for that I guess. I spent thrusday doing more odds and ends. I had a couple meetings and studied a bunch again.
Friday wasn't real exciting either. I had a Religion test and a Indians or NA test. They went fairly well too, so my tests were finally completed! Five in that last week! That night after work at the lab I came back to the apt and went and got Lauren from next door. We rented movies from Cody at the movie store he works at and came back here and watched them. It was nice to just sit back and relax after all of the studying and tests.
But, Saturday came pretty quick. I got up and spent the morning doing odds and ends and packing for my Ag Bio Ambassador retreat that started when we left a at noon. We had six state vehicles and all headed out towards the hills. The destination was a lodge in Keystone, but we played tourist along the way. There a quite a few ambassadors from MN, IA, or NE so they hadn't seen a lot of our dorky SD tourist attractions. We stopped at the corn palace and took that quick tour and then headed on. Everyone wanted to see the badlands so we went down at Kadoka and hopped on hwy 44. My car decided that since I was complaining about how close we would be to the ranch, we should just stop. And we did. We only drove fifteen miles out of our way and only stayed for about twenty minutes, but it was worth it to be there again. Merle was able to meet us and hang out for a few min, then we headed back out. We acually ended up missing supper at the firehouse restuarant in Rapid, but we just met up with everyone and then stopped for fast food on our way to Keystone. We did a quick introduction for all of our new ambassadors that night and then hung out for a while and went to bed. We learned that there is nothing to do in the "off season" in Keystone...at all.
We spent Saturday planning and doing various retreat like things. We were at this beautiful lodge tucked back on Old Hill City Road and as we were planning and whatnot is started snowing. Yup, that's right, snowing. Now it wasn't accumulating but it was chilly and kinda pretty, just not very welcomed. In case I never mentioned it, Ag Bio Amassadors represent eh SDSU college of ag and bio and go around the midwest visiting high schools for SDSU and serve at various ag events on campus. We finished up our retreat stuff for the day and went out to eat at a Mexican restuarant in town that opened just for our group. The food was great. Afterward two car loads of people decided to go to Mt. Rushmore while the older ones stayed and drank...o boy. So, we load up and head to Mt. Rushmore in the dark, in the snow. I knew what was gonig to happen but thought we should try it out anyway. We get there and there is absolutely no one around. I mean not a sole, not even a park ranger. The lights were on the mountain but you couldn't see it at all- the fog and snow were completely blocking the view and reflecting the light. So....we had a snowball fight. Yeah, that' right we had a snowball fight at night, in the snow, at Mt. Rushmore- probably won't happed again. A few of us decided to take a trail and get a little closer and we eventually could make out the faces to some extent. But, the two girls who had never been there woudn't brave the trail so they didn't get to see them at all! But, hopefully they come back someday, in the daylight, with no snow, when someone is there. So eventually we turned back around and headed toward our lodge. On the way we picked up three guys in our group who were walking back from the restuarant carrying a carton of beer... quite hillarious conisdering that it was cold and snowing! We spent the rest of the night just chatting, then headed to bed.
That next Monday morning was supposed to be the day we all went out and did some west river school vists but when we woke up arond five...there was not electricity, over six inches of snow on the ground and some still coming down, and a massive tree blocking the hotel driveway. Yeah, there was not way the six Chevy Impalas were gunna make it out. After they got the tree moved a few groups were able to get out to their school visits but ours was not. We just loaded up and went home. We made quick stop at Wall Drug for the two people I was riding with who had never been there, and then went back to Brookings. It snowed or rained the whole way...gross. We made it back in time for our Argentina class last night. Then, I came home, fell asleep doing homework and went to bed.
I spent my day today either in class or doing homework. Because I spent every spare second I had last week studying I got a little behind on the homework, but after my six hour shift at the front desk tonight I think I've got a better handle on it. In ranch news for the past week it sounds like they finished up working calves and Merle has kept busy since. He was picking up some cracked corn in Gordon and the pickup we left in Phillip to get body work on a while back. He called me and asked if we brought it there without a spare tire becuse there wasn't one in it. I had to laugh- I think we did. Other times I have called he's been fencing or moving cattle around. I think all the wheat is finished now, so it's odds and ends for the time being it sounds. I am hoping to plan an ambassador visit out west sometime soon and then just stay for the weekend- that would be awesome~
Tomorrow they will start digging with the backhoe at home to try to find our infamous water leak...we'll see what happens.
Alright, definitly bedtime!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Life...
Ugh! I get so far behind now...to pick up where I left off.
That next Wednesday, the 23rd was pretty typical. Went to my four morning classes then to work for a few hours at the lab. I kinda felt nasty all day long because my acid reflux did not appreciate the spices in the meat we had on Tuesday- tummy ache! But, after a couple days I got over that. That Wed. night was the Ag/Bio scholarship banquet. I ditched out of marching band a little early so that I could be there on time to usher for Ag Bio Ambassadors. That worked out ok and I made it right about on time. We got almost 500 people seated and made it through the ridiculously long list of recipients! But hey, I'll eat a $15 plate of food in exhcange for $500 from the SD Corn Utilization Council. I came home after the banquet and did some homework, studied, and called it a night/morning.
Thursday...I went to my two morning classes and went to the lab for about an hour. Then, ran home and grabbed lunch (got completely soaked in the rain on my treck across campus) and had Cody give me a ride to motorpool (the DOT) and picked up a state vehicle. Another Ag Bio Ambassador, Dani, and I were headed to Garretson for a school visit. We got there a little early so I gave her a tour of the parks and whatnot...lol, o G-Town. So, we finally made it to the school and attempted to recruit a bunch of lazy, inattentive high school boys to SDSU's college of Ag and Bio. Let's just say by the end of the class period they did not like Dani or I; we wouldn't put up with their crap! Haha, o teaching is going to be so much fun... The next class period was just a couple students, one of which was a friend, Alysha. We had fun with them and actually accomplished a few things in our presentation. We finished up our visit there, and headed back to Brookings. that night, I did some homework and eventually headed over to a friends house to watch the premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I saw the finalie so I felt it neccesary to see the premier! Afterward, Kayla and I sat and contimplated what positions we were going to apply for for Little I (big livestock expo on campus). I put down photographer for first choice- sounds like a lot of fun! We'll see... I went to work at midnight that night. It was a fine and dandy until about 1:30 when some students reported a creepy guy sleeping near the girls side windows outside. They said they woke him up and he was running around in a cape like thing just being creepy. So... I called the CA's on duty and they checked the building. Then, called UPD and they said that if we couldn't find him that there was nothing they could do- since he really hadn't done anthing illegal. So, we called the search off, deciding that he must have left. But when 3am rolled around and I was the only person awake for what seemed like miles I was not all that eager to walk out in the semi-lit parking lot to my car. But, have no fear I made it with no creeper behind me...although I think I coulda fought a weird one like that off with my backpack full of books! Ha!
That next Friday morning always comes early. Went to morning classes and studied. Since our boss was out for the day, I could only kill an hour at the Ps lab, and headed back home. I spent some time trying to study soils in the afternoon and then headed to good ol' Baltic for the homecoming game at seven. I was kinda not sure what to expect, but I ended up having a pretty good time. I got to see quite a few people that I hadn't seen in forever. Not many hs friends (didn't really have a whole lot of Baltic friends) but I saw a bunch of teachers, neighbors, and such. And..remarkably, they won! I was shocked- our fb team has been pretty bad for years and years, so it was nice to see them have a decent record so far this year. That night I headed back to Brookings, watched a movie with Eillie and her friend Brianna and went to bed.
Saturday... was not exactly a joyful one.
I woke up to Mom calling me telling me that I had better come home because Joe wasn't doing well at all. He was laying down and just plain wouldn't get up. So, I picked up Virginia and we went down to the barn. By the time I got there he had gotten up, but the problem was obvious. He had done something nasty to his front leg. It's really hard to say what, but he was terribly sore and couldn't hardly hold himself up. He had slowly been looking a little older and older this past few weeks and I think that the leg was probably just one of those old age things. Long story short, we called the vet and they had to put him down. Sad day:( Dad and Mom gave me one of those bronze statues when I was younger that had a picture of a girl facing a horse and it says "First Love". Very true. I will miss him dearly, but that's how life works and I would never want him hurting like that. It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend, but somtimes it's for the best. It's a good thing he had his buddy Ace for the weeks we've been back, and it will be good for me too, since there is still a horse around to ride. One with quite the personality at that. I'll miss my Joe and so will a lot of the folks around there, but life goes on. They actually had a colt that morning...the cycle of life.
I spent the rest of that day attempting to study. Emphasis on the attempt, I have a hard time focusing normally, so it wasn't exactly the easiest to abosorb info. I ran a few errands, paid the rent, etc. At about 1pm Ellie took off to vist her boyfriend in the cities, and Cody was home for the weekend so I spent he rest of the day by myself. I worked from 8pm to midnight and spent a majority of that time talking to Kayla and Michael who came to visit me! Michael was down for the weeked and I keep giving Kayla a hard time about not seeing him so they just came to me. It was nice to have someone to talk to and pass the time, and I got to see them! ...wayyy better than studying. I came home a basically fell into a heap in bed.
I got up today, went to church, and studied...and studied...and studied. And still managed not to get everything done on my list. I got some laundry and cleaning done and ate/ went grocery shopping with Virginia in the evening. It was nice to spend some time with her and get out of thsi apt. Then, studied some more and helped Cody move a few things in. We fought with a dresser that he brought for a while and finally decided it wouldn't fit in his closet- so instead, we rearranged his room. I spent some more time with the books and found myself falling asleep so here I am- typing, it's much more involving than staring at a page of notes!
It sounds like things went well on the ranch this weekend. They worked cattle on Friday and thing went smoothy according to sources. Apparently they didn't test as good as they usually are, but that' s just how the odds go sometimes. I can't remember if it was the black cow or Chief Bears. I think the Chief Bear cattle were done last week. Now, they will ride for quite a few days to put everyone back where they belong and move some things around. Merle went to a fire school today and said it was really good- jealous. I was originally going to come down this weekend but between my Friday classes, the four tests and a quiz I have this week, and work, I decided I shouldn't. Sounds like I missed out- but isn't that how it always works? grrr.... o well, I'll be back around sometime. It sounds like Glen is having some heart surgery on Tuesday- I'll be praying for him and hope all goes well! I can about imagine how excited he is...eh. Besides being completely jealous that I missed out, that's about all the ranch news I can think of.
It has been a long week and it will be a long week...but I think I'll make it- because "making it" and getting A's are two completly different things!
That next Wednesday, the 23rd was pretty typical. Went to my four morning classes then to work for a few hours at the lab. I kinda felt nasty all day long because my acid reflux did not appreciate the spices in the meat we had on Tuesday- tummy ache! But, after a couple days I got over that. That Wed. night was the Ag/Bio scholarship banquet. I ditched out of marching band a little early so that I could be there on time to usher for Ag Bio Ambassadors. That worked out ok and I made it right about on time. We got almost 500 people seated and made it through the ridiculously long list of recipients! But hey, I'll eat a $15 plate of food in exhcange for $500 from the SD Corn Utilization Council. I came home after the banquet and did some homework, studied, and called it a night/morning.
Thursday...I went to my two morning classes and went to the lab for about an hour. Then, ran home and grabbed lunch (got completely soaked in the rain on my treck across campus) and had Cody give me a ride to motorpool (the DOT) and picked up a state vehicle. Another Ag Bio Ambassador, Dani, and I were headed to Garretson for a school visit. We got there a little early so I gave her a tour of the parks and whatnot...lol, o G-Town. So, we finally made it to the school and attempted to recruit a bunch of lazy, inattentive high school boys to SDSU's college of Ag and Bio. Let's just say by the end of the class period they did not like Dani or I; we wouldn't put up with their crap! Haha, o teaching is going to be so much fun... The next class period was just a couple students, one of which was a friend, Alysha. We had fun with them and actually accomplished a few things in our presentation. We finished up our visit there, and headed back to Brookings. that night, I did some homework and eventually headed over to a friends house to watch the premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I saw the finalie so I felt it neccesary to see the premier! Afterward, Kayla and I sat and contimplated what positions we were going to apply for for Little I (big livestock expo on campus). I put down photographer for first choice- sounds like a lot of fun! We'll see... I went to work at midnight that night. It was a fine and dandy until about 1:30 when some students reported a creepy guy sleeping near the girls side windows outside. They said they woke him up and he was running around in a cape like thing just being creepy. So... I called the CA's on duty and they checked the building. Then, called UPD and they said that if we couldn't find him that there was nothing they could do- since he really hadn't done anthing illegal. So, we called the search off, deciding that he must have left. But when 3am rolled around and I was the only person awake for what seemed like miles I was not all that eager to walk out in the semi-lit parking lot to my car. But, have no fear I made it with no creeper behind me...although I think I coulda fought a weird one like that off with my backpack full of books! Ha!
That next Friday morning always comes early. Went to morning classes and studied. Since our boss was out for the day, I could only kill an hour at the Ps lab, and headed back home. I spent some time trying to study soils in the afternoon and then headed to good ol' Baltic for the homecoming game at seven. I was kinda not sure what to expect, but I ended up having a pretty good time. I got to see quite a few people that I hadn't seen in forever. Not many hs friends (didn't really have a whole lot of Baltic friends) but I saw a bunch of teachers, neighbors, and such. And..remarkably, they won! I was shocked- our fb team has been pretty bad for years and years, so it was nice to see them have a decent record so far this year. That night I headed back to Brookings, watched a movie with Eillie and her friend Brianna and went to bed.
Saturday... was not exactly a joyful one.
I woke up to Mom calling me telling me that I had better come home because Joe wasn't doing well at all. He was laying down and just plain wouldn't get up. So, I picked up Virginia and we went down to the barn. By the time I got there he had gotten up, but the problem was obvious. He had done something nasty to his front leg. It's really hard to say what, but he was terribly sore and couldn't hardly hold himself up. He had slowly been looking a little older and older this past few weeks and I think that the leg was probably just one of those old age things. Long story short, we called the vet and they had to put him down. Sad day:( Dad and Mom gave me one of those bronze statues when I was younger that had a picture of a girl facing a horse and it says "First Love". Very true. I will miss him dearly, but that's how life works and I would never want him hurting like that. It's hard to say goodbye to an old friend, but somtimes it's for the best. It's a good thing he had his buddy Ace for the weeks we've been back, and it will be good for me too, since there is still a horse around to ride. One with quite the personality at that. I'll miss my Joe and so will a lot of the folks around there, but life goes on. They actually had a colt that morning...the cycle of life.
I spent the rest of that day attempting to study. Emphasis on the attempt, I have a hard time focusing normally, so it wasn't exactly the easiest to abosorb info. I ran a few errands, paid the rent, etc. At about 1pm Ellie took off to vist her boyfriend in the cities, and Cody was home for the weekend so I spent he rest of the day by myself. I worked from 8pm to midnight and spent a majority of that time talking to Kayla and Michael who came to visit me! Michael was down for the weeked and I keep giving Kayla a hard time about not seeing him so they just came to me. It was nice to have someone to talk to and pass the time, and I got to see them! ...wayyy better than studying. I came home a basically fell into a heap in bed.
I got up today, went to church, and studied...and studied...and studied. And still managed not to get everything done on my list. I got some laundry and cleaning done and ate/ went grocery shopping with Virginia in the evening. It was nice to spend some time with her and get out of thsi apt. Then, studied some more and helped Cody move a few things in. We fought with a dresser that he brought for a while and finally decided it wouldn't fit in his closet- so instead, we rearranged his room. I spent some more time with the books and found myself falling asleep so here I am- typing, it's much more involving than staring at a page of notes!
It sounds like things went well on the ranch this weekend. They worked cattle on Friday and thing went smoothy according to sources. Apparently they didn't test as good as they usually are, but that' s just how the odds go sometimes. I can't remember if it was the black cow or Chief Bears. I think the Chief Bear cattle were done last week. Now, they will ride for quite a few days to put everyone back where they belong and move some things around. Merle went to a fire school today and said it was really good- jealous. I was originally going to come down this weekend but between my Friday classes, the four tests and a quiz I have this week, and work, I decided I shouldn't. Sounds like I missed out- but isn't that how it always works? grrr.... o well, I'll be back around sometime. It sounds like Glen is having some heart surgery on Tuesday- I'll be praying for him and hope all goes well! I can about imagine how excited he is...eh. Besides being completely jealous that I missed out, that's about all the ranch news I can think of.
It has been a long week and it will be a long week...but I think I'll make it- because "making it" and getting A's are two completly different things!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Catch-Up!
ok...it's been waaay to long. I completely forgot my blog existed for a couple days there! sorry!
So as a quick recap/summary...this past week has been busy- not unsusal. I had a 7am meeting after a night of minimal sleep and a few extra assignments always here and there. I spent last Wed. evening at the barn with mom and Joe and Ace. That was nice- to get aways from here and go riding. Joe is having some trouble with his fetlock yet, so i took Ace out and just played with Joe. Mom rode John's horse, Dancer (a sane Arab) and I took Ace the tank out in a rope halter because we don't have any bits that fit him. So Dancer looked like a mini pony..hillarious. Ace felt pretty good, and was entertaining to ride. But, all good things come to an end and I came back up here and studied, then headed to bed.
That next Thusday I had a couple meetings. One to get a flu shot with student health and another to work on a group project for CTE (teaching) class. After a really really long day I went home to Cody's 21st birthday party. Him and Ellie had organized this whole deal and it was pretty nice. He had a make shift beer pong table and cupcakes! Haha, to top the cake we spent most of the night palying charades...hillarious. There were about ten people there at any given time- it was a lot of fun! But, I went to bed before they shut down...I don't want to know what all happened after one o'clock.
I went to classes on Friday and spent some spare time doing homework. Later that night I watched a movie that Cody rented and headed to bed. He works at the movie store so he gets free rentals all the time...hence we always have movies around! Not neccesarily a good or bad things. Distracting but sometimes fun!
I spent all my spare time on the weekend getting errands run, chores, and homework done. I spent from about noon to three helping with Sr. day for ag bio ambassadors on Saturday. This was the "lure people in and tell them how great the college of ag and bio at sdsu is" type of event. We also answered a lot of questions about sdsu as well. It was fun, but I had to leave a little early to get ready for marching band and then headed to our rehearsal. We marched pre-game and then half time. Both went pretty well, but no one really likes our new director a whole lot so we'll see how it goes as the school years mores on. On Sunday, I just went to church and spent the entire afternon doing homework and such. Then, really really late Cody and I watched the worst movie of the century. Ellie showed up just as it was finshing...she didn't miss anything! lol
Monday was a busy day as usual. I have six classes and on top of that we had or first CFFA meeting last night. I'm president of the club and nothing has really been done with it for a couple of years so it has been quite the undertaking for our officer team. The meeting took a lot of organizing and work but it ended up being a huge success! We had 73 people there! Crazy. In face did you know that when offered free pizza 73 people will eat approximately 21 large papa johns pizzas? Yep, that delivery guy deserved his tip. So we had the meeting and wrapped up with a quick officer meeting. Then, I headed up to my friend Jennifer's room and caught up with her and Rachel before heading home, studying, and going to bed.
Today was not as productive as it should have been, but that's life. I basically went to class, studied, and killed some time in between. We had a really awesome meats lab lab today. We cooked meats from all across the country. My group made a German Schnitzel. We had pork tenderloin and sliced it into thin slices, pounded it flat, breaded and spiced it, then fryed it and dipped it in a dill sauce. It was really tasty, along with all of the other groups recipes. The only draw back...my acid reflux did not appreciate the taste test. I have had this annoying stomache ache all day- but I'm sure I'll survive. We also had a cool soils lab today. We travelled around to five different soil sample sites around Brookings (I drove the jinumbo van again) and studied each sample. I'm kindof a dork so I thought the lab was really cool and interesting!
Afterward I went home and worked on some homework, took a short nap, then headed to work- where I'm at for another half an hour or so. I had planned on starting bible study tonight but opted to nap instead since I didn't feel so good. I'll try next week!
Well, I think that's probably more than enough info!
So as a quick recap/summary...this past week has been busy- not unsusal. I had a 7am meeting after a night of minimal sleep and a few extra assignments always here and there. I spent last Wed. evening at the barn with mom and Joe and Ace. That was nice- to get aways from here and go riding. Joe is having some trouble with his fetlock yet, so i took Ace out and just played with Joe. Mom rode John's horse, Dancer (a sane Arab) and I took Ace the tank out in a rope halter because we don't have any bits that fit him. So Dancer looked like a mini pony..hillarious. Ace felt pretty good, and was entertaining to ride. But, all good things come to an end and I came back up here and studied, then headed to bed.
That next Thusday I had a couple meetings. One to get a flu shot with student health and another to work on a group project for CTE (teaching) class. After a really really long day I went home to Cody's 21st birthday party. Him and Ellie had organized this whole deal and it was pretty nice. He had a make shift beer pong table and cupcakes! Haha, to top the cake we spent most of the night palying charades...hillarious. There were about ten people there at any given time- it was a lot of fun! But, I went to bed before they shut down...I don't want to know what all happened after one o'clock.
I went to classes on Friday and spent some spare time doing homework. Later that night I watched a movie that Cody rented and headed to bed. He works at the movie store so he gets free rentals all the time...hence we always have movies around! Not neccesarily a good or bad things. Distracting but sometimes fun!
I spent all my spare time on the weekend getting errands run, chores, and homework done. I spent from about noon to three helping with Sr. day for ag bio ambassadors on Saturday. This was the "lure people in and tell them how great the college of ag and bio at sdsu is" type of event. We also answered a lot of questions about sdsu as well. It was fun, but I had to leave a little early to get ready for marching band and then headed to our rehearsal. We marched pre-game and then half time. Both went pretty well, but no one really likes our new director a whole lot so we'll see how it goes as the school years mores on. On Sunday, I just went to church and spent the entire afternon doing homework and such. Then, really really late Cody and I watched the worst movie of the century. Ellie showed up just as it was finshing...she didn't miss anything! lol
Monday was a busy day as usual. I have six classes and on top of that we had or first CFFA meeting last night. I'm president of the club and nothing has really been done with it for a couple of years so it has been quite the undertaking for our officer team. The meeting took a lot of organizing and work but it ended up being a huge success! We had 73 people there! Crazy. In face did you know that when offered free pizza 73 people will eat approximately 21 large papa johns pizzas? Yep, that delivery guy deserved his tip. So we had the meeting and wrapped up with a quick officer meeting. Then, I headed up to my friend Jennifer's room and caught up with her and Rachel before heading home, studying, and going to bed.
Today was not as productive as it should have been, but that's life. I basically went to class, studied, and killed some time in between. We had a really awesome meats lab lab today. We cooked meats from all across the country. My group made a German Schnitzel. We had pork tenderloin and sliced it into thin slices, pounded it flat, breaded and spiced it, then fryed it and dipped it in a dill sauce. It was really tasty, along with all of the other groups recipes. The only draw back...my acid reflux did not appreciate the taste test. I have had this annoying stomache ache all day- but I'm sure I'll survive. We also had a cool soils lab today. We travelled around to five different soil sample sites around Brookings (I drove the jinumbo van again) and studied each sample. I'm kindof a dork so I thought the lab was really cool and interesting!
Afterward I went home and worked on some homework, took a short nap, then headed to work- where I'm at for another half an hour or so. I had planned on starting bible study tonight but opted to nap instead since I didn't feel so good. I'll try next week!
Well, I think that's probably more than enough info!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
From carcasses to dirt to telephones
Alright...only one day behind, I can handle this.
The last couple days have been similar to a rat race for me. On Mondays I have seven hours of class (6 classes), so they get a little long. I started the days off trying to look excited for my CTE (career and tech ed) class. It was consecutively followed by Religion, Meats, and Indians of NA. Yep, that's a sequence that'll put you to sleep. After that last class I go to work for two hours at the front desk and then have two hours to kill before band. yesterday I went to the meat lab during this time and studyied the muscles on a pork carcass. Then, I quick ran home and ate and put my stuff together for band. Virginia picked me up while I was walking over there- works out pretty handy. Right after band I came back and talked with my roomate just long enough that it was time to go to my last class for my trip to Argentina. There, I signed a nice chunk of money away to the trip and left them with my passport. ...Hope I don't need the money or the passport anywhere in the extreme near future! lol...although I might want that money I don't think I'll "need" it. You can't starve if you know how to mooch! After class I went to a friends 21st birthday party at Cubby's. I was already late but ordered a burger anyway. My friend, Becky, doesn't drink much but they bought her something she liked and then a guy that knew a different girl at our table came over and found out it was her birthday so he bought her a shot. It was the most hillarious thing to watch. They said cheers and he threw his shot down...Becky sipped hers. Yes, I said sipped. It took her like five minutes and a few sips to drink it. How funny, I guess she has a piont- why drink it fast when you can enjoy the strawberry cheesecake taste! I guess they took her out a little later. I just went home and studied. A freind stopped by to talk FFA a little later in the night and after that I was ready to go to bed. I didn' t get near as much done as I wanted, but that's how it goes.
Today was crazy again. I went to my early classes and then had a short study break before meats lab. I was group leader for the lab and for one reason or another it just didn't go that well, we were one person short and really slow, but oh well- life goes on. After lab I walked all the way back across campus to our apt so that someone was around in case the cable guy came. Well, I ate dinner (if you can call it that), cleaned the living room, and then had to head back to class- he must have come later because I see a cable box set up. For soils lab we were to meet in the motorpool (DOT) parking lot and head out to sanderson gardens. I showed up and as soon as the instructor found out I was a state employee she gave me the keys to a 15 passenger van. lol...oh what fun. So, we took three vans out to the melon and produce farm just east of Brookings (really cool). We did our lab on soil profiling, which I actually kindof enjoyed, and then came back into town. Right after that I headed straight to the FFA office. It was phoneathon day. Essentialy the phoneathon is where we call anyone who has had any affiliation to the SD FFA, catch up with them and their FFA experiences, and try to raise money for the foundation. I didn't have too many awful calls this time (I tend to call the cranky ppl) but I didn't raise a ton of money either. That's how it goes though- I think we do that again on Thursday. After the phoneathon I went to work at Hansen from 9 to midnight. The desk was fairly constant but I was able to get some work done which was kinda nice. Now, at 1:40 I am finally calling it a day. I hope tomorrow isn't as hectic. I have planned to meet mom down at the barn in the afternoon to ride the ponies! I'm sure I'll enjoy that!
The last couple days have been similar to a rat race for me. On Mondays I have seven hours of class (6 classes), so they get a little long. I started the days off trying to look excited for my CTE (career and tech ed) class. It was consecutively followed by Religion, Meats, and Indians of NA. Yep, that's a sequence that'll put you to sleep. After that last class I go to work for two hours at the front desk and then have two hours to kill before band. yesterday I went to the meat lab during this time and studyied the muscles on a pork carcass. Then, I quick ran home and ate and put my stuff together for band. Virginia picked me up while I was walking over there- works out pretty handy. Right after band I came back and talked with my roomate just long enough that it was time to go to my last class for my trip to Argentina. There, I signed a nice chunk of money away to the trip and left them with my passport. ...Hope I don't need the money or the passport anywhere in the extreme near future! lol...although I might want that money I don't think I'll "need" it. You can't starve if you know how to mooch! After class I went to a friends 21st birthday party at Cubby's. I was already late but ordered a burger anyway. My friend, Becky, doesn't drink much but they bought her something she liked and then a guy that knew a different girl at our table came over and found out it was her birthday so he bought her a shot. It was the most hillarious thing to watch. They said cheers and he threw his shot down...Becky sipped hers. Yes, I said sipped. It took her like five minutes and a few sips to drink it. How funny, I guess she has a piont- why drink it fast when you can enjoy the strawberry cheesecake taste! I guess they took her out a little later. I just went home and studied. A freind stopped by to talk FFA a little later in the night and after that I was ready to go to bed. I didn' t get near as much done as I wanted, but that's how it goes.
Today was crazy again. I went to my early classes and then had a short study break before meats lab. I was group leader for the lab and for one reason or another it just didn't go that well, we were one person short and really slow, but oh well- life goes on. After lab I walked all the way back across campus to our apt so that someone was around in case the cable guy came. Well, I ate dinner (if you can call it that), cleaned the living room, and then had to head back to class- he must have come later because I see a cable box set up. For soils lab we were to meet in the motorpool (DOT) parking lot and head out to sanderson gardens. I showed up and as soon as the instructor found out I was a state employee she gave me the keys to a 15 passenger van. lol...oh what fun. So, we took three vans out to the melon and produce farm just east of Brookings (really cool). We did our lab on soil profiling, which I actually kindof enjoyed, and then came back into town. Right after that I headed straight to the FFA office. It was phoneathon day. Essentialy the phoneathon is where we call anyone who has had any affiliation to the SD FFA, catch up with them and their FFA experiences, and try to raise money for the foundation. I didn't have too many awful calls this time (I tend to call the cranky ppl) but I didn't raise a ton of money either. That's how it goes though- I think we do that again on Thursday. After the phoneathon I went to work at Hansen from 9 to midnight. The desk was fairly constant but I was able to get some work done which was kinda nice. Now, at 1:40 I am finally calling it a day. I hope tomorrow isn't as hectic. I have planned to meet mom down at the barn in the afternoon to ride the ponies! I'm sure I'll enjoy that!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Tired
whew..what a few days! I'm getting behind.
So.. back to Thursday. It was one of those days where you just do what you have to- even if you think it's ridiculous. I only have three classes on Thursdays so I spend a whole lot of time at the PS lab. Now, normally you would think this to be a good things because I am getting in hours. But six hours on end is wayyy to many in that place with that boss. I went to my first two classes and tried to be lively and excited for the day! lol..then headed to work. I spent a little over three hours out in the plots counting soybean plants. None of my coworkers hours line up with mine so I just go out by myself...our boss doensn't like it but the beans are turning- they need to be counted asap. It was alright, just kinda tedious and tends to leave you with a sore back. I came back in and recorded my date and dropped off the state van. Eventually I headed to the Ag Bio ice cream social, where I helped with ag bio ambassadors and CFFA. Then, went out with Virginia for supper at a new pizza place downtown. It was tasty! We stopped by our friend, Erin's place and hung out for a few minutes. Finally, I went home for a couple hours to do homework and then headed to work at the front desk for the late 12-3am shift. I kept busy with some homework when I didn't have something else to do and eventually went home for the night and it was time to crash.
Friday was a similar day. Went to class, got assignments. Went to work at the lab. We spent the morning clening out the teaching lab. Gross. Seriously, they only have part time janitors in the building who basically take out the trash once or twice a week. Otherwise, not much is cleaned but the bathrooms. So, once a year they clean up this teaching lab and it was nasty. I got regrigerator duty. Cleaning out plants and random petri dishes owned by madd plant science professors is rather interesing. But, I got it all cleanded out and helped clean upt he rest of the room then went to a quick meeting with a professor, but it didn't last long enough- I went right back to work. Eventually, I got out of there and went to band. Afterward, Virginia and I headed down to Sioux Falls and met our aunts for supper. Three of them were in town and one more was on the way. It was nice to visit with everyone and catch up. We ran a few errands and met up with them once more at my aunt Charlene's place near Renner. Then, stopped by home and headed back to school. I spent the rest of my very sleepy...until I finally gave in and went to bed.
Saturday...was plent busy for a Saturday. I spent the morning from about ten until two out in the soybean plots with Megan and Nate (the friends I work with at the lab). We finally finished the whole plot! woo hoo. So, we rewarded ourselves with a little Chinese food and headed home. I only had about an hour to shower, eat, and get ready for the game. I suited up and headed to the practice field. We marched our pregame show and then played for the game. Our new director definitly took some of the fun stuff out, but I think we looked pretty good. We didn't do a full blown field show, which dissapointed a lot of people I think- but what do you do, they guy is hired now. After the game I met with Megan and Nate again at Nate's place and had some brauts off the grill. I stayed for about and hour and then headed back for another late shift at the front desk. Ugh...I don't mind the shifts but they're hard on the mornings after.
This morning was not as bad as suspected. I got up and did laundry before church. Then, walked the whole block over the Lutheran Center and ate the free meal afterward. Woo hoo...college kids love free food! :) But, the fun didn't last long. We had marching band camp from 1-5 to learn the real field show. It was alright- but very, very long. Let's say we were all pretty happy to get out of there. But, we did make progress and learned the basics of the show. I came home after eating another free meal (pizza) and spent the night doing homework, fryed some hamburger for the week, and spent a lot of time working on my room. I finally got some pictures up on the walls and we even got an sdsu flag hung up in the living room (I know that's not a ton of progress)..but it's better than nothing! I'm headed off to read some more 'middle school philosophy'...ahh gotta love the teaching classes.
So.. back to Thursday. It was one of those days where you just do what you have to- even if you think it's ridiculous. I only have three classes on Thursdays so I spend a whole lot of time at the PS lab. Now, normally you would think this to be a good things because I am getting in hours. But six hours on end is wayyy to many in that place with that boss. I went to my first two classes and tried to be lively and excited for the day! lol..then headed to work. I spent a little over three hours out in the plots counting soybean plants. None of my coworkers hours line up with mine so I just go out by myself...our boss doensn't like it but the beans are turning- they need to be counted asap. It was alright, just kinda tedious and tends to leave you with a sore back. I came back in and recorded my date and dropped off the state van. Eventually I headed to the Ag Bio ice cream social, where I helped with ag bio ambassadors and CFFA. Then, went out with Virginia for supper at a new pizza place downtown. It was tasty! We stopped by our friend, Erin's place and hung out for a few minutes. Finally, I went home for a couple hours to do homework and then headed to work at the front desk for the late 12-3am shift. I kept busy with some homework when I didn't have something else to do and eventually went home for the night and it was time to crash.
Friday was a similar day. Went to class, got assignments. Went to work at the lab. We spent the morning clening out the teaching lab. Gross. Seriously, they only have part time janitors in the building who basically take out the trash once or twice a week. Otherwise, not much is cleaned but the bathrooms. So, once a year they clean up this teaching lab and it was nasty. I got regrigerator duty. Cleaning out plants and random petri dishes owned by madd plant science professors is rather interesing. But, I got it all cleanded out and helped clean upt he rest of the room then went to a quick meeting with a professor, but it didn't last long enough- I went right back to work. Eventually, I got out of there and went to band. Afterward, Virginia and I headed down to Sioux Falls and met our aunts for supper. Three of them were in town and one more was on the way. It was nice to visit with everyone and catch up. We ran a few errands and met up with them once more at my aunt Charlene's place near Renner. Then, stopped by home and headed back to school. I spent the rest of my very sleepy...until I finally gave in and went to bed.
Saturday...was plent busy for a Saturday. I spent the morning from about ten until two out in the soybean plots with Megan and Nate (the friends I work with at the lab). We finally finished the whole plot! woo hoo. So, we rewarded ourselves with a little Chinese food and headed home. I only had about an hour to shower, eat, and get ready for the game. I suited up and headed to the practice field. We marched our pregame show and then played for the game. Our new director definitly took some of the fun stuff out, but I think we looked pretty good. We didn't do a full blown field show, which dissapointed a lot of people I think- but what do you do, they guy is hired now. After the game I met with Megan and Nate again at Nate's place and had some brauts off the grill. I stayed for about and hour and then headed back for another late shift at the front desk. Ugh...I don't mind the shifts but they're hard on the mornings after.
This morning was not as bad as suspected. I got up and did laundry before church. Then, walked the whole block over the Lutheran Center and ate the free meal afterward. Woo hoo...college kids love free food! :) But, the fun didn't last long. We had marching band camp from 1-5 to learn the real field show. It was alright- but very, very long. Let's say we were all pretty happy to get out of there. But, we did make progress and learned the basics of the show. I came home after eating another free meal (pizza) and spent the night doing homework, fryed some hamburger for the week, and spent a lot of time working on my room. I finally got some pictures up on the walls and we even got an sdsu flag hung up in the living room (I know that's not a ton of progress)..but it's better than nothing! I'm headed off to read some more 'middle school philosophy'...ahh gotta love the teaching classes.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dance the night away!
So, last night I was literally falling out of my chair I was so tired...tonight isn't too far off from that.
To summarize the weekend: it was awesome! It was great to be back and see familiar faces again where it was quiet and content. I had a great time with the round up and was so glad we were able to help out and get some haying done while everyone was around. Hopefully I can go back and visit again soon. :)
Back on the homefront in Brookings...
Yesterday was fairly chaotic. My class schedule has two classes and two labs- fun. I basically ran around in all of my spare time trying to get various odds and ends accomplished. Soils is my first class and it's really hard to stay awake in- monotone voice and not the most riveting subject matter for 8am. Although I'm interested, we all seem to struggle to stay that way during lecture. He gave a quiz- it wasn't so easy, but that's life. My middle school philosophy class was next and that professor is slightly wacky. Always interesting, and hard to fall asleep in! It might be a little interesting as the semester goes on. Meats lab was by far the best three hours of the day though! We got to trim the fat off of half a pork carcass. So cool! I messed up and cut off too much a few times, but that's life. I'm really excited for that class:) Finally, I had soils lab, which was better than lecuture and seems like it might become pretty interesting.
I spent the couple hours of free time I had running around working on little things I needed to get done and homework. I don't know how successful I really was, but i got some done. I got even more done during my front desk work shift hours from nine to midnight. Then, finally, home and to bed.
Today wasn't much different except the class schedule. I had four classes this morning, none of which are terrible, but I'm gong to try to be optomistic. After class I went to the plant science lab for work. Of course, no one was around becuase my work schedule doesn't coincide with the others well at all, but non the less I was there for work. I wasted some time arond the lab until I decided to take it upon myself to work on our soybean project alone. So, I grabbed our state vehicle and went out to the plots. It's a job best suited for two people, but I played both roles today. Counting plants in each row and then putting down the count of alive and dead. How fun. I reall don't mind working with the soybeans, but the aphids and the plant residue gets everywhere after a couple hours. ...and lets face it you can only count stems for so long until you go crazy. When I quit there after 5 little plots of four rows each, I headed to band. That was simple enough as we are preparing for our pre game show (shorter version of a halftime show) this Saturday. After band, I ran home, did some cleaning and organizing of my stuff, took a 15 minute amazing power nap and took off for my 6pm CFFA officer meeting that I was presiding for. Our meeting went well with lots of great ideas, but there is lots to rebuilding an organization so I think we will take smaller steps. After a couple hours I headed home and ate what was left of dessert - apple crisp! I ate at the meeting and they ate here, but it all worked out for desert.
Then, a few friends and I made a last minute decision to go to Jonny Holmes (a fun cover band) tonight and have a good time. I love Jonny Holmes dances and I love to dance when I have a littel time (which I just kinda created). So, I went out and had some fun with my friends! - that doesn't happen often enough. We had a good time and I brushed up those jitter buggin' skills real quick again. But, all good things come to an end. I helped a friend get to her house that is really close to my apartment and then hteaded in for the night.
It was a long day, but ended with a bang! Now it's time for bed.
To summarize the weekend: it was awesome! It was great to be back and see familiar faces again where it was quiet and content. I had a great time with the round up and was so glad we were able to help out and get some haying done while everyone was around. Hopefully I can go back and visit again soon. :)
Back on the homefront in Brookings...
Yesterday was fairly chaotic. My class schedule has two classes and two labs- fun. I basically ran around in all of my spare time trying to get various odds and ends accomplished. Soils is my first class and it's really hard to stay awake in- monotone voice and not the most riveting subject matter for 8am. Although I'm interested, we all seem to struggle to stay that way during lecture. He gave a quiz- it wasn't so easy, but that's life. My middle school philosophy class was next and that professor is slightly wacky. Always interesting, and hard to fall asleep in! It might be a little interesting as the semester goes on. Meats lab was by far the best three hours of the day though! We got to trim the fat off of half a pork carcass. So cool! I messed up and cut off too much a few times, but that's life. I'm really excited for that class:) Finally, I had soils lab, which was better than lecuture and seems like it might become pretty interesting.
I spent the couple hours of free time I had running around working on little things I needed to get done and homework. I don't know how successful I really was, but i got some done. I got even more done during my front desk work shift hours from nine to midnight. Then, finally, home and to bed.
Today wasn't much different except the class schedule. I had four classes this morning, none of which are terrible, but I'm gong to try to be optomistic. After class I went to the plant science lab for work. Of course, no one was around becuase my work schedule doesn't coincide with the others well at all, but non the less I was there for work. I wasted some time arond the lab until I decided to take it upon myself to work on our soybean project alone. So, I grabbed our state vehicle and went out to the plots. It's a job best suited for two people, but I played both roles today. Counting plants in each row and then putting down the count of alive and dead. How fun. I reall don't mind working with the soybeans, but the aphids and the plant residue gets everywhere after a couple hours. ...and lets face it you can only count stems for so long until you go crazy. When I quit there after 5 little plots of four rows each, I headed to band. That was simple enough as we are preparing for our pre game show (shorter version of a halftime show) this Saturday. After band, I ran home, did some cleaning and organizing of my stuff, took a 15 minute amazing power nap and took off for my 6pm CFFA officer meeting that I was presiding for. Our meeting went well with lots of great ideas, but there is lots to rebuilding an organization so I think we will take smaller steps. After a couple hours I headed home and ate what was left of dessert - apple crisp! I ate at the meeting and they ate here, but it all worked out for desert.
Then, a few friends and I made a last minute decision to go to Jonny Holmes (a fun cover band) tonight and have a good time. I love Jonny Holmes dances and I love to dance when I have a littel time (which I just kinda created). So, I went out and had some fun with my friends! - that doesn't happen often enough. We had a good time and I brushed up those jitter buggin' skills real quick again. But, all good things come to an end. I helped a friend get to her house that is really close to my apartment and then hteaded in for the night.
It was a long day, but ended with a bang! Now it's time for bed.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
labor day weekend
ok...so this is wayy to many days to write out, so I'm going to summarize.
Friday, was pretty typical, I took my three morning classes while running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Then, worked for an hour (soo not worth the money) then, ran back to my apt, packed, dropped Bart (my amazing Betta fish :) off at Virginia's and left. But, I wasn't headed west just yet. I stopped by the horse barn to grab my saddle and visit with Joe and Ace. All seemed well there, although Joe is having some trouble with his fetlock joint it seems. I think it's probably arthritis, but we've decided that it's probably the true cause of why his other leg is swollen. He's putting all the weight on it. So, we're giving him some butte and we'll see what he does after a few days. As far as Ace goes, he was a chubby as ever, I rode him around a little bit and he seemed pretty happy go lucky. But...as soon as I got a ways down the road mom called and said he looked like he might have an impaction again. So, they gave him some oil and watched him for the night. He turned out fine, but seriously...I leave and everything just wants to fall apart!
I made two stops, one for food and gas in Kimball, and a quick stop in Kadoka to rent a movie that I wanted to see the end of (fell aspleep watching the beginning the other night). I made it to the ranch just at dark, it worked out just right. Merle showed up a little later, after the football game was way to far gone to watch anymore- sounds like Martin crushed 'em.
So, I was pretty quick to go to bed because I knew Saturday would be an early morning. And it sure was. I got up about 4:30, ate breakfast, and headed out for chores. By the time everything was rounded up and saddled up, and all the help was around it was probably 6:30 or seven. We had 13 people there I think- quite a bunch. Merle, Harvey, Me, Glen, Steve, Ross, Adrianne, Mike, Brady, Dustin, Delbert, Bill, and Matt. (Hope I'm not missing anyone.) Matt stayed back to work on dinner and the rest of us loaded the horses up and headed out.
We were rounding up Erwin's about 500 steers in the timber reserve pasture. Yup, as the name implies there are quite a few trees in the low spots. We all split up on the north end and pushed everything south. I rode Bowdie and we took the spring fed creek the whole way so that I wouldn't get lost...yeah blonde in the trees- not a good combo. I never did find anything until I met up with Glen and Ross - then I magically found myself with 60 head. I was never sure if they split and some got way ahead of me or if they got up a side draw and went back around me, but I think most of them ended up ahead of me. The creek was pretty thick- as in, get off your horse and drag him through in a few spots- really pretty, but thick. I even saw some wildlife, some turkeys, a couple antelope, and a fawn. When it was all said and done and we met at the other end we were one rider short. But, with time, Harv showed up with about 50 head (maybe it was more I can't remember). That helped numbers considerably (of steer and riders that is! lol). Moving them home was realatively easy. We made it back, ate Matt's dinner that was pretty darn tasty, and then waited around for everyone to go back and get the pickups and trailers that we left out in the pasture. After everyone was loaded up and headed home Merle and I went out and hayed. Harv and Ross were already out there stacking bales and windrowing. We all worked until about six or six thirty I believe and then headed home, did chores, showered quick and went into town for dinner at Ross and Marva's. Carol and Marva had cooked a really nice supper and it was fun to just hang out. But, fatigue hit and we headed home.
Sunday was similar to Saturday. We decided to round up what we could find left out there again. We left at about the same time, but with only six of us. Before we split up we got lucky, and saw a whole herd of 10 or 15 elk cross the fence. So cool!
I rode the same spot and didn't find anything at all this time. Actually, I turned out to be the one they waited on this time..oops. But, they had 22 head there, which helped numbers considerably. This time Harv went back for the pickup and trailer before we got all the way home. We arrived with the steers at the same time he showed up in the pickup, so it worked out good. Everybody split for dinner except Adrianne. So, we went in and had hamburger and then played some cards. It was lots of fun! On the third game I finally managed to beat Merle- we didn't care who won, as long as it wasn't him again! haha- what fun. Then, a quick game of concentration followed, but I think he won that one too...dangit. But, we goofed off long enough. Adrianne headed back home and we went out to finish putting up what we left from the day before. We hayed until there wasn't anymore to hay and then went home and did chores. I managed to finish my movie too! lol
Monday morning, I helped with chores and we ran a tub chute to town. Then, I decided I had better get going because I knew I would have lost of stops on the way home, and loose an hour. I dropped off my movie in Kadoka and stopped by Kimball for food again. Otherwise, I dropped my saddle back off and messed around with Joe and Ace who seemed quite content. Then, made some stops at home and finally headed up to Brookings and unpacked my stuff. It was a long day, but I finally made it back. I managed to fall asleep studying...how fun.
I will fill you in on Today tomorrow- way too tired!
Friday, was pretty typical, I took my three morning classes while running around like a chicken with my head cut off. Then, worked for an hour (soo not worth the money) then, ran back to my apt, packed, dropped Bart (my amazing Betta fish :) off at Virginia's and left. But, I wasn't headed west just yet. I stopped by the horse barn to grab my saddle and visit with Joe and Ace. All seemed well there, although Joe is having some trouble with his fetlock joint it seems. I think it's probably arthritis, but we've decided that it's probably the true cause of why his other leg is swollen. He's putting all the weight on it. So, we're giving him some butte and we'll see what he does after a few days. As far as Ace goes, he was a chubby as ever, I rode him around a little bit and he seemed pretty happy go lucky. But...as soon as I got a ways down the road mom called and said he looked like he might have an impaction again. So, they gave him some oil and watched him for the night. He turned out fine, but seriously...I leave and everything just wants to fall apart!
I made two stops, one for food and gas in Kimball, and a quick stop in Kadoka to rent a movie that I wanted to see the end of (fell aspleep watching the beginning the other night). I made it to the ranch just at dark, it worked out just right. Merle showed up a little later, after the football game was way to far gone to watch anymore- sounds like Martin crushed 'em.
So, I was pretty quick to go to bed because I knew Saturday would be an early morning. And it sure was. I got up about 4:30, ate breakfast, and headed out for chores. By the time everything was rounded up and saddled up, and all the help was around it was probably 6:30 or seven. We had 13 people there I think- quite a bunch. Merle, Harvey, Me, Glen, Steve, Ross, Adrianne, Mike, Brady, Dustin, Delbert, Bill, and Matt. (Hope I'm not missing anyone.) Matt stayed back to work on dinner and the rest of us loaded the horses up and headed out.
We were rounding up Erwin's about 500 steers in the timber reserve pasture. Yup, as the name implies there are quite a few trees in the low spots. We all split up on the north end and pushed everything south. I rode Bowdie and we took the spring fed creek the whole way so that I wouldn't get lost...yeah blonde in the trees- not a good combo. I never did find anything until I met up with Glen and Ross - then I magically found myself with 60 head. I was never sure if they split and some got way ahead of me or if they got up a side draw and went back around me, but I think most of them ended up ahead of me. The creek was pretty thick- as in, get off your horse and drag him through in a few spots- really pretty, but thick. I even saw some wildlife, some turkeys, a couple antelope, and a fawn. When it was all said and done and we met at the other end we were one rider short. But, with time, Harv showed up with about 50 head (maybe it was more I can't remember). That helped numbers considerably (of steer and riders that is! lol). Moving them home was realatively easy. We made it back, ate Matt's dinner that was pretty darn tasty, and then waited around for everyone to go back and get the pickups and trailers that we left out in the pasture. After everyone was loaded up and headed home Merle and I went out and hayed. Harv and Ross were already out there stacking bales and windrowing. We all worked until about six or six thirty I believe and then headed home, did chores, showered quick and went into town for dinner at Ross and Marva's. Carol and Marva had cooked a really nice supper and it was fun to just hang out. But, fatigue hit and we headed home.
Sunday was similar to Saturday. We decided to round up what we could find left out there again. We left at about the same time, but with only six of us. Before we split up we got lucky, and saw a whole herd of 10 or 15 elk cross the fence. So cool!
I rode the same spot and didn't find anything at all this time. Actually, I turned out to be the one they waited on this time..oops. But, they had 22 head there, which helped numbers considerably. This time Harv went back for the pickup and trailer before we got all the way home. We arrived with the steers at the same time he showed up in the pickup, so it worked out good. Everybody split for dinner except Adrianne. So, we went in and had hamburger and then played some cards. It was lots of fun! On the third game I finally managed to beat Merle- we didn't care who won, as long as it wasn't him again! haha- what fun. Then, a quick game of concentration followed, but I think he won that one too...dangit. But, we goofed off long enough. Adrianne headed back home and we went out to finish putting up what we left from the day before. We hayed until there wasn't anymore to hay and then went home and did chores. I managed to finish my movie too! lol
Monday morning, I helped with chores and we ran a tub chute to town. Then, I decided I had better get going because I knew I would have lost of stops on the way home, and loose an hour. I dropped off my movie in Kadoka and stopped by Kimball for food again. Otherwise, I dropped my saddle back off and messed around with Joe and Ace who seemed quite content. Then, made some stops at home and finally headed up to Brookings and unpacked my stuff. It was a long day, but I finally made it back. I managed to fall asleep studying...how fun.
I will fill you in on Today tomorrow- way too tired!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
work
alright...I've started adding pictures. If you go back to the Sturgis page there are quite a few there. The others will come soon, it just takes forever to load them and I am more interested in sleeping right now;)
I had an ok day. I went to my rather boring and monotonous Soils class this morning. The subject matter wouldn't be bad if the professor didn't drone on and on is a monotone voice, it's like impossible to stay awake even! Afterward a bunch of us Ag Ed girls walked down to our Middle School Philosophy class together...boy that's gunna be an intersting class. On the extreme opposite end of things, that lady is nuts! She talks one hundred miles an hour and has lots and lots of busy work. I don't know how you could ever fall asleep...or not be annoyed! lol
I made it through those two and headed to work I stayed there from 10 until 3:30...with a lunch break. It sounds like in a couple days we are going to start working out in the soybean plots counting plants. I will like that much better than all the lab work but it's still pretty monotonous. I think it will take us a few weeks to get it all done with just three of us! Oh, well as long as we get paid and get to be outside, I really don't mind. Other than that, I went to band- woot woot, and came home to the roomies. I did some studying and then we ate pizza crackers (very tasty) that Cody made for us. I made him a deal: I will buy most of the ingredients if he will make the food. Sweet! I confirmed my own decision after I had trouble with a piece of toast falling down into the toaster oven this morning. Seriously, the microwave, the toaster...what's next!
But, we ate and watched a movie, that puts me here. I think I'm gunna head to bed. I am gunna head out to the ranch sometime between 2 and 3 tomorrow, so it will be a long day of driving! Not sure if I'll get on the internet to blog or not out there, but I'm super excited to go! :)
I had an ok day. I went to my rather boring and monotonous Soils class this morning. The subject matter wouldn't be bad if the professor didn't drone on and on is a monotone voice, it's like impossible to stay awake even! Afterward a bunch of us Ag Ed girls walked down to our Middle School Philosophy class together...boy that's gunna be an intersting class. On the extreme opposite end of things, that lady is nuts! She talks one hundred miles an hour and has lots and lots of busy work. I don't know how you could ever fall asleep...or not be annoyed! lol
I made it through those two and headed to work I stayed there from 10 until 3:30...with a lunch break. It sounds like in a couple days we are going to start working out in the soybean plots counting plants. I will like that much better than all the lab work but it's still pretty monotonous. I think it will take us a few weeks to get it all done with just three of us! Oh, well as long as we get paid and get to be outside, I really don't mind. Other than that, I went to band- woot woot, and came home to the roomies. I did some studying and then we ate pizza crackers (very tasty) that Cody made for us. I made him a deal: I will buy most of the ingredients if he will make the food. Sweet! I confirmed my own decision after I had trouble with a piece of toast falling down into the toaster oven this morning. Seriously, the microwave, the toaster...what's next!
But, we ate and watched a movie, that puts me here. I think I'm gunna head to bed. I am gunna head out to the ranch sometime between 2 and 3 tomorrow, so it will be a long day of driving! Not sure if I'll get on the internet to blog or not out there, but I'm super excited to go! :)
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Ok, we'll mesh a couple days together and hit the highlights.
Yesterday was a busy one...I went to class until about 2 and then headed home to get some work done there. Mom came and helped me and we got quite a bit done. All the mowing, cleaned the house (at least good enough for now) moved the pickup around, visited with Joel (borrowed his trimmer) and gathered a whole bunch of stuff that I forgot to take to school the first time. While I was there I was also hoping to find the source of our water leak, but no such luck- it has leaked out over 10,000 gallons now and nothing is bubbling up so we're going to dig later in the week- if it's not one thing it's the other. All in all, besides the water situation, it worked out pretty good. I was kinda dissapointed because I never got to go see Joe and Ace, but I'm sure I will do that soon. I had to leave there by eight to get back up here for work from nine to midnight...ooo how fun. It was pretty uneventful, just a freshman asking a question now and then. But, I sure was tired when I got home and went to bed. It's one thing to stay up until two in the morning when you're at home, but it's a whole separate thing when you work until midnight and then come home...just makes you tired out!
Today was an early start. I had a seven am meeting for a group I'm involved in on campus called ag bio ambassadors. We advocate for the college of ag and do school visits and are involved in basically all the ag recruitment functions on campus. It's a lot of fun, but every other Wednesday starts off a little earlier because of it. Getting up for 6:30 chores on the ranch is one thing, but a 7:00 meeting at school is a whole different ballgame! But, I survived. Today, I got to test out my crazy schedule. I have four classes back to back from 8 to noon. It was long, but I think it'll work out ok. Afterward I was able to go home and unpack a few things and grab some lunch before Lauren was going to take me to the Ford garage to drop my car off to get the brakes worked on. So, I throw these little pizza things in the microwave...and either wasnt' paying attention and hit the wrong buttons or just put them in wayy to long. I walked away and came back to the microwave billowing with smoke and it looked like the little pizza bagles had probably been on fire! Lol, I immidiately opened all the doors and windows and turned on the fans. It was bad...even hard to breathe! This just goes to show that I really can't cook. Besides everyone else was freaking out and I was laughing and fanning the smoke alarm...o wow. We basically left the door and windows open all day long and I think it really helped. A few open windows and a couple candles later I think we may have made some headway. Hopefully everything around here doesn't smell like burnt pizza forever! lol...we took some pictures of it- if I ever get my pictures up that one will definitly be in there!
So other than me burning things, I ran over and dropped off my car, then went to the plant science building and filled out the paperwork for m lab job. Then, came home and worked on the apt for a bit. Ellie's parents came and brought a futon and all sorts of things so that kept us busy for a while. It was fun to meet them. Otherwise I just kept busy and went to band. I was supposed to have choir but opted to drop the class after all I think I'll be ok with 21 rather than 22 credits! After band we made quick trip to Wally World and watched Marley and Me at home. It was nice to be able to watch a movie, because I know when things get in full swing that just won't happen.
I'm hoping to go back to the ranch this weekend to help round up in the Timber Reserve. I'm not positive, but I think I'm going. I'm torn between that and the state fair- but I have been to the state fair gajillions of times, and I don't think it's gunna kill me to miss it. I might even bring my friend Megan out with me...o double trouble! Sounds like Merle has been helping Delbert precondition and round up this week- always busy around there. But, I am going to try to attempt to go to bed before midnight!
Yesterday was a busy one...I went to class until about 2 and then headed home to get some work done there. Mom came and helped me and we got quite a bit done. All the mowing, cleaned the house (at least good enough for now) moved the pickup around, visited with Joel (borrowed his trimmer) and gathered a whole bunch of stuff that I forgot to take to school the first time. While I was there I was also hoping to find the source of our water leak, but no such luck- it has leaked out over 10,000 gallons now and nothing is bubbling up so we're going to dig later in the week- if it's not one thing it's the other. All in all, besides the water situation, it worked out pretty good. I was kinda dissapointed because I never got to go see Joe and Ace, but I'm sure I will do that soon. I had to leave there by eight to get back up here for work from nine to midnight...ooo how fun. It was pretty uneventful, just a freshman asking a question now and then. But, I sure was tired when I got home and went to bed. It's one thing to stay up until two in the morning when you're at home, but it's a whole separate thing when you work until midnight and then come home...just makes you tired out!
Today was an early start. I had a seven am meeting for a group I'm involved in on campus called ag bio ambassadors. We advocate for the college of ag and do school visits and are involved in basically all the ag recruitment functions on campus. It's a lot of fun, but every other Wednesday starts off a little earlier because of it. Getting up for 6:30 chores on the ranch is one thing, but a 7:00 meeting at school is a whole different ballgame! But, I survived. Today, I got to test out my crazy schedule. I have four classes back to back from 8 to noon. It was long, but I think it'll work out ok. Afterward I was able to go home and unpack a few things and grab some lunch before Lauren was going to take me to the Ford garage to drop my car off to get the brakes worked on. So, I throw these little pizza things in the microwave...and either wasnt' paying attention and hit the wrong buttons or just put them in wayy to long. I walked away and came back to the microwave billowing with smoke and it looked like the little pizza bagles had probably been on fire! Lol, I immidiately opened all the doors and windows and turned on the fans. It was bad...even hard to breathe! This just goes to show that I really can't cook. Besides everyone else was freaking out and I was laughing and fanning the smoke alarm...o wow. We basically left the door and windows open all day long and I think it really helped. A few open windows and a couple candles later I think we may have made some headway. Hopefully everything around here doesn't smell like burnt pizza forever! lol...we took some pictures of it- if I ever get my pictures up that one will definitly be in there!
So other than me burning things, I ran over and dropped off my car, then went to the plant science building and filled out the paperwork for m lab job. Then, came home and worked on the apt for a bit. Ellie's parents came and brought a futon and all sorts of things so that kept us busy for a while. It was fun to meet them. Otherwise I just kept busy and went to band. I was supposed to have choir but opted to drop the class after all I think I'll be ok with 21 rather than 22 credits! After band we made quick trip to Wally World and watched Marley and Me at home. It was nice to be able to watch a movie, because I know when things get in full swing that just won't happen.
I'm hoping to go back to the ranch this weekend to help round up in the Timber Reserve. I'm not positive, but I think I'm going. I'm torn between that and the state fair- but I have been to the state fair gajillions of times, and I don't think it's gunna kill me to miss it. I might even bring my friend Megan out with me...o double trouble! Sounds like Merle has been helping Delbert precondition and round up this week- always busy around there. But, I am going to try to attempt to go to bed before midnight!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Errands
Another day in the land of State.
Ellie and I got up this morning and headed to the bookstore to buy her some good ol' text books. Afterward we stopped by the "free stuff fair" as I like to call it, and grabbed some coupon books and learned about Jesus from like every campus Christian group. Then, we headed back home and Ellie kept unpacking while I met my friend Megan and we went and talked to our boss at the plant science lab to see if we could get some hours this semester.
We were successful in talking him into hiring us at decent wages for about 13 hrs a week. So, I'll be keeping pretty busy- but money is a good thing when you're in college! So, I made her run me to the campus post office, which turned out to be like a ten minute ordeal just to get there because there is construction every place you turn around here! When, we finally got there and found an illegal parking spot I found out the dumb place wasn't open yet anyway...annoying.
She dropped me back off at my apt and I ran to my car to head to work at Hansen Hall. The stream of people checking in and having various questions was just constant for all three hours of my shift. There were two of us working but it still took forever to eat our lunch. I got done there and went back to running a few errands. Later on, Mom and Grandma and Grandpa stopped up with Virginia. They had decided to come up for the afternoon to see us and get some ice cream. So, we ate at the dairy bar (always good) and drove around Brookings for various things. They helped me with a few things like taking me to the post office and the place I need to go to turn in my rent. We also stopped at a bakery and at Mcrory gardens- they are really pretty this time of year:)
But, they eventually came over to my apartment and checked it out and dropped a few things off, then headed out. It was fun to see everyone and take a little break for the afternoon. I didn't have much time at home before I had to head back to campus for my 6pm class. It is focused on a trip I am taking with a group of 20 or so people to argentina over Christmas break- I think it'll be fun. Tonight we jsut went over the syllibus and due dates. I came home after class with a friend and chatted with her and Ellie a bit. Then, Megan and I ran to Taco Johns and grabbed a healthy supper...we came back and shortly after Cody was here! He had stopped in earlier and dropped his stuff off but had been at walmart for like an eternity. So, since then I have been working with my roomates and putting the kitchen together. We got that job done, and then I helped Cody with his room. Now, I'm waiting for my laundry and heading to bed! It's been another long day but I got a lot done. Tomorrow will be a full day of classes and work. Better head to bed!
Ellie and I got up this morning and headed to the bookstore to buy her some good ol' text books. Afterward we stopped by the "free stuff fair" as I like to call it, and grabbed some coupon books and learned about Jesus from like every campus Christian group. Then, we headed back home and Ellie kept unpacking while I met my friend Megan and we went and talked to our boss at the plant science lab to see if we could get some hours this semester.
We were successful in talking him into hiring us at decent wages for about 13 hrs a week. So, I'll be keeping pretty busy- but money is a good thing when you're in college! So, I made her run me to the campus post office, which turned out to be like a ten minute ordeal just to get there because there is construction every place you turn around here! When, we finally got there and found an illegal parking spot I found out the dumb place wasn't open yet anyway...annoying.
She dropped me back off at my apt and I ran to my car to head to work at Hansen Hall. The stream of people checking in and having various questions was just constant for all three hours of my shift. There were two of us working but it still took forever to eat our lunch. I got done there and went back to running a few errands. Later on, Mom and Grandma and Grandpa stopped up with Virginia. They had decided to come up for the afternoon to see us and get some ice cream. So, we ate at the dairy bar (always good) and drove around Brookings for various things. They helped me with a few things like taking me to the post office and the place I need to go to turn in my rent. We also stopped at a bakery and at Mcrory gardens- they are really pretty this time of year:)
But, they eventually came over to my apartment and checked it out and dropped a few things off, then headed out. It was fun to see everyone and take a little break for the afternoon. I didn't have much time at home before I had to head back to campus for my 6pm class. It is focused on a trip I am taking with a group of 20 or so people to argentina over Christmas break- I think it'll be fun. Tonight we jsut went over the syllibus and due dates. I came home after class with a friend and chatted with her and Ellie a bit. Then, Megan and I ran to Taco Johns and grabbed a healthy supper...we came back and shortly after Cody was here! He had stopped in earlier and dropped his stuff off but had been at walmart for like an eternity. So, since then I have been working with my roomates and putting the kitchen together. We got that job done, and then I helped Cody with his room. Now, I'm waiting for my laundry and heading to bed! It's been another long day but I got a lot done. Tomorrow will be a full day of classes and work. Better head to bed!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Band Camp done!
Ok, just another day in academia.
So, it was a long day- imagine that. I worked on checking in people and making these obnoxious little sweater cut outs for name tags this morning. That went of from 7:30 until 12:15. O, get this, a bunch of us workers went out to the dumpsters and broke down boxes because people are lazy and don't read signs and think ahead. So, we're dumpster diving in the boxes and run across two dorm room mattresses. Yes, that's right, mattresses. Someone was dumb enough to throw away their mattress and think no one would notice... I think that's one of the dumbest freshman moves I have heard of yet.
But, anyway, I worked there and then ran to luch with some friends and went straight to band afterward. I spent my afternoon there from 1-5... o how fun, but today we did actually learn a chart (semi productive).
After eating band pizza I took off to Hansen to make sure they didn't still need me to work- and they didn't so I walked back across the street to talk with some people at the white for a minute. Here they were, all wading in the back of two pickups that they had filled with water... redneck swimming pool. Apparently they were slip and sliding all afternoon and had fun. Although, I also heard that they steaked out the slip and slide with steak knives...o how smart. But, as I was sitting there someone just hardly ticked the tailgate of one of them and it opened spilling water and beer all over the street hillarious! But, I killed a few minutes there so that I could get in to check out my band uniform at six.
I got the uniform checked out and payed up and then headed home. My roomate Ellie was already here and moving stuff in! Yey, another inhabitant:) She is still moving things around and trying to get settled, but Cody won't even be here until tomorrow.
As soon as I got back here I realized I left my phone over at the whites, so I went back with Lauren (my friend who lives next door) and found my phone. While we were there we wandered around and scouted out who we knew and where they lived~! That was cool, but eventually we came back home and Ellie and I worked on the apt a bit. I had to go find some girl and give her a ride tonight- Ellie came with- nothing like breaking her into SDSU! oops...but hey I figure it's better I go get some girl (even if I don't know her) than have them driving around.
Now, I am going to bed. Only classes that start after four are tomorrow, but I have one from 6-8 so I guess I will work and go to class. Otherwise, I'm sure the day will fill up with errands.
It sounds like Merle helped Delbert again yesterday and I'm not sure that I even got to ask him about today because he drove up on a rattle snake when I was talking to him! haha- gotta love it. But, I'm headed to bed!
So, it was a long day- imagine that. I worked on checking in people and making these obnoxious little sweater cut outs for name tags this morning. That went of from 7:30 until 12:15. O, get this, a bunch of us workers went out to the dumpsters and broke down boxes because people are lazy and don't read signs and think ahead. So, we're dumpster diving in the boxes and run across two dorm room mattresses. Yes, that's right, mattresses. Someone was dumb enough to throw away their mattress and think no one would notice... I think that's one of the dumbest freshman moves I have heard of yet.
But, anyway, I worked there and then ran to luch with some friends and went straight to band afterward. I spent my afternoon there from 1-5... o how fun, but today we did actually learn a chart (semi productive).
After eating band pizza I took off to Hansen to make sure they didn't still need me to work- and they didn't so I walked back across the street to talk with some people at the white for a minute. Here they were, all wading in the back of two pickups that they had filled with water... redneck swimming pool. Apparently they were slip and sliding all afternoon and had fun. Although, I also heard that they steaked out the slip and slide with steak knives...o how smart. But, as I was sitting there someone just hardly ticked the tailgate of one of them and it opened spilling water and beer all over the street hillarious! But, I killed a few minutes there so that I could get in to check out my band uniform at six.
I got the uniform checked out and payed up and then headed home. My roomate Ellie was already here and moving stuff in! Yey, another inhabitant:) She is still moving things around and trying to get settled, but Cody won't even be here until tomorrow.
As soon as I got back here I realized I left my phone over at the whites, so I went back with Lauren (my friend who lives next door) and found my phone. While we were there we wandered around and scouted out who we knew and where they lived~! That was cool, but eventually we came back home and Ellie and I worked on the apt a bit. I had to go find some girl and give her a ride tonight- Ellie came with- nothing like breaking her into SDSU! oops...but hey I figure it's better I go get some girl (even if I don't know her) than have them driving around.
Now, I am going to bed. Only classes that start after four are tomorrow, but I have one from 6-8 so I guess I will work and go to class. Otherwise, I'm sure the day will fill up with errands.
It sounds like Merle helped Delbert again yesterday and I'm not sure that I even got to ask him about today because he drove up on a rattle snake when I was talking to him! haha- gotta love it. But, I'm headed to bed!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The Whites
ok...this is gunna be short and sweet.
I woke up late this morning...all of my alarms had/were going off and I heard none of them apparently. So I threw myself together and went to marching band. We had camp all morning and afternoon. It was ok...kinda different from years past and a little monotonous for someone who has been in band several times before...but none the less probably a good thing.
I slipped away over the lunch break to drop off a friends keys that she forgot in my car and take a shower- I was desperatly wanting one! Then, went back to band. Band was done around 4:45ish so I went straight to Hansen to help out. I did that as well as met people and helped some friends move in. Then, came back to the desk and worked from 8 to 11. When I got off work I walked across the street to the lawn of an apt comple called the whites to catch up with some friends. As I was standing there on the sidewalk talking to him, the cops pulled up and he didn't step on the grass soon enough. They got him for open container because he wasn't on private property. They didn't even look at me because I didn't have a beer in my hand and never drink anyway- I would have been more entertained if they would have...nothing like stumping a UPD cop. Then, while this kid was in the cop car getting his violation or ticket or whatever you wanna call it, this other idiot walked up the sidewalk carrying and open beer and cranks the radio! Apparently he was wearing beer goggles and didn't see the cops. So, they grabbed him but he managed to talk himself out of it. He told us that the cop asked him to pour it out and he thought that was alcohol abuse...the cop told him the only abuse he could see was that it was a bud light. Seriously...what a college town.
So, the last twenty minutes were interesting- I stopped on the front lawn of some apartments to say hi and the cops came- they must be after me. That's not typically my venue, but I guess I picked an eventful evening.
But, that's about it. I don't wanna wake up late again!
I woke up late this morning...all of my alarms had/were going off and I heard none of them apparently. So I threw myself together and went to marching band. We had camp all morning and afternoon. It was ok...kinda different from years past and a little monotonous for someone who has been in band several times before...but none the less probably a good thing.
I slipped away over the lunch break to drop off a friends keys that she forgot in my car and take a shower- I was desperatly wanting one! Then, went back to band. Band was done around 4:45ish so I went straight to Hansen to help out. I did that as well as met people and helped some friends move in. Then, came back to the desk and worked from 8 to 11. When I got off work I walked across the street to the lawn of an apt comple called the whites to catch up with some friends. As I was standing there on the sidewalk talking to him, the cops pulled up and he didn't step on the grass soon enough. They got him for open container because he wasn't on private property. They didn't even look at me because I didn't have a beer in my hand and never drink anyway- I would have been more entertained if they would have...nothing like stumping a UPD cop. Then, while this kid was in the cop car getting his violation or ticket or whatever you wanna call it, this other idiot walked up the sidewalk carrying and open beer and cranks the radio! Apparently he was wearing beer goggles and didn't see the cops. So, they grabbed him but he managed to talk himself out of it. He told us that the cop asked him to pour it out and he thought that was alcohol abuse...the cop told him the only abuse he could see was that it was a bud light. Seriously...what a college town.
So, the last twenty minutes were interesting- I stopped on the front lawn of some apartments to say hi and the cops came- they must be after me. That's not typically my venue, but I guess I picked an eventful evening.
But, that's about it. I don't wanna wake up late again!
Friday, August 28, 2009
O SDSU
Another work/school day.
I started the morning spending about $400 on books. I met with Lauren, my friend that lives right next door, and we headed out to the bookstore when it opened at 8am. I was glad we went so early because by tomorrow that place is going to be swamped and out of books. 400 isn' awful, but still burns a nice sized hole in the pocket book. Afterward I stopped over at another friends apt and rummaged through her stuff to find some books she had that I could buy from her too (she wasn't home and told me to go through her room :s)! So, that cuts down on cost a little too.
Otherwise I went straight to Hansen and started back on my Mr. Rogers poster...it took two hours! Ah! But, when I was done it looked pretty cool. I also had to make one for the back, but I was tired and that one doesn't stay up long so I made a huge orange trolly...yep, that's right- orange. It will be funny to see what people think it is...lol.
We worked well into the afternoon before we had to stop and wait for the new and updated resident list from the main office before we could do anymore. So...I went and ran a ton of errands on campus- how fun. I got most of them done and made it back to keep on working on hall stuff until about 4:30. I ran down picked up my piccolo for marching band before they closed up shop at five.
Then, I had an hour to kill before the band meeting/ supper, so I helped Jennifer carry her fridge upstairs and went rummaging for a bike. I didn't find a bike or a couch for that matter, but I did find this cute little dish thing for three dollars and after I walked up to the lady I realized that I had no money...even looked in my car. I was completely out of checkblanks and had no cash. So, I had to borrow money from a friend and go back- haha who does that for 3 dollar dish! During that time I also ran over to see if my boss from the plant science lab was around so that I could try and get that job back, but he wasn't in- imagine that.
I went to the band meeting at 6 and boy was that as boring as ever. But, there was pizza afterward and way too much left over so I ended up back home with an entire pizza! Cool, food for a couple days:) haha.
I spent the night chatting with Lauren, running to walmart and working on paperwork and whatnot for school- I don't think it will ever ever end.
But, it's time to think about sleep a little earlier tonight!
I started the morning spending about $400 on books. I met with Lauren, my friend that lives right next door, and we headed out to the bookstore when it opened at 8am. I was glad we went so early because by tomorrow that place is going to be swamped and out of books. 400 isn' awful, but still burns a nice sized hole in the pocket book. Afterward I stopped over at another friends apt and rummaged through her stuff to find some books she had that I could buy from her too (she wasn't home and told me to go through her room :s)! So, that cuts down on cost a little too.
Otherwise I went straight to Hansen and started back on my Mr. Rogers poster...it took two hours! Ah! But, when I was done it looked pretty cool. I also had to make one for the back, but I was tired and that one doesn't stay up long so I made a huge orange trolly...yep, that's right- orange. It will be funny to see what people think it is...lol.
We worked well into the afternoon before we had to stop and wait for the new and updated resident list from the main office before we could do anymore. So...I went and ran a ton of errands on campus- how fun. I got most of them done and made it back to keep on working on hall stuff until about 4:30. I ran down picked up my piccolo for marching band before they closed up shop at five.
Then, I had an hour to kill before the band meeting/ supper, so I helped Jennifer carry her fridge upstairs and went rummaging for a bike. I didn't find a bike or a couch for that matter, but I did find this cute little dish thing for three dollars and after I walked up to the lady I realized that I had no money...even looked in my car. I was completely out of checkblanks and had no cash. So, I had to borrow money from a friend and go back- haha who does that for 3 dollar dish! During that time I also ran over to see if my boss from the plant science lab was around so that I could try and get that job back, but he wasn't in- imagine that.
I went to the band meeting at 6 and boy was that as boring as ever. But, there was pizza afterward and way too much left over so I ended up back home with an entire pizza! Cool, food for a couple days:) haha.
I spent the night chatting with Lauren, running to walmart and working on paperwork and whatnot for school- I don't think it will ever ever end.
But, it's time to think about sleep a little earlier tonight!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Internet!
I finally got internet off of my neighbors!
Haha, here I am at school- sorta kinda moved in. We got up here Tuesday and my stuff kinda sat around in my apt for an entire day before I had a chance to work on unpacking it. Yesterday got kinda crazy because I came here and started unpacking for an hour or so, then headed down to Renner to meet with Merle and Nicole at Heinemann Fire Truck Manufacturers.
Nicole's friend Brian gave us a tour (he works there) and it was pretty darn cool. Not to mention, I got to meet Nicole and spend a couple hours with everybody. We took a tour and then went to Applebees for dinner. But, all good things usually come to an end. We ate, and went back to drop Brian off and went our separate ways:( Sad day. But, life never quits it seems.
I headed to the barn to visit Joe and Ace- they were doing quite well, and Joe's leg was going down. We decided that the skin condition he had on a part of his leg probably caused the swelling- so we scrubbed it down with some iodine and hopefully it gets better. I gave Ace a couple vaccinations- wouldn't wanna catch those east river bugs! lol
After that visit I went home and spent a couple hours looking for a water leak that we can't find on the farm...left the water on- it'll fester up eventually. We are losing about a gallon and a half a minute...not good- but it could be worse. Afterward I ran back down to Sioux Falls and Mom and I loaded up my desk to go to Brookings. I headed back up here and she came shortly after me. We spent a couple hours on my room and got quite a bit done- enough to walk through the room and sleep here anyway.
It sounded like Merle got back home around 6:30 to the neighbors cattle in his winter pasture...how nice. Sounds like Ross was farming and nothing too exciting happened while he was gone.
It was interesting to wake up to a different room today-not really bad, just different. I had training for my job as an office assistan at the front desk of Hansen Hall all day long. They fed us two free SDSU meals...what a nice way to break us in- you can't forget about the lovely food here:s Someone who obviously has no idea that Hansen in the AG HALL decided to have this semesters theme be Mr. Rogers! If you don't know who that is google it- or perhaps just imagine a man in a sweater vest with puppets. Now don't get me wrong, I thought that Mr. Rogers was the most amazing thing ever (cuz it pretty much is) but not for the theme of a college dorm full of cowboys. So... I spent a good part of my afternoon painting King Friday's Castle on a huge sheet of paper for the "Welcome to Hansen Hall" sign...wow. I'm still not done and get to look forward to working on it tomorrow! lol ...oh well, it's sorta entertaining. At the end of our training day we went to a fire safety class and I felt smart! haha, I guess I must have learned something in the S130/190 classes. Afterward, they had a propane bath that they would light and made everyone put it out with a fire extinguisher...oooo aaaahhhh. Then, I came back to theh apartment and have since got most of my room ready to go. It's pretty small and cozy but oh well, it'll work. I met some of my neighbors and have already decided to share internet with them- awesome cuz it creates cheap bills and I have internet now! Sounds like they are pretty nice guys, so we might get along good with some neighbors- that would be cool.
Last I heard, Merle went over and helped Adrianne load out eight semi's this morning...wow. Not sure what's gone on since then:(
But, I need to hit the sack- more training and stuff to do tomorrow! I miss the ranch!
Haha, here I am at school- sorta kinda moved in. We got up here Tuesday and my stuff kinda sat around in my apt for an entire day before I had a chance to work on unpacking it. Yesterday got kinda crazy because I came here and started unpacking for an hour or so, then headed down to Renner to meet with Merle and Nicole at Heinemann Fire Truck Manufacturers.
Nicole's friend Brian gave us a tour (he works there) and it was pretty darn cool. Not to mention, I got to meet Nicole and spend a couple hours with everybody. We took a tour and then went to Applebees for dinner. But, all good things usually come to an end. We ate, and went back to drop Brian off and went our separate ways:( Sad day. But, life never quits it seems.
I headed to the barn to visit Joe and Ace- they were doing quite well, and Joe's leg was going down. We decided that the skin condition he had on a part of his leg probably caused the swelling- so we scrubbed it down with some iodine and hopefully it gets better. I gave Ace a couple vaccinations- wouldn't wanna catch those east river bugs! lol
After that visit I went home and spent a couple hours looking for a water leak that we can't find on the farm...left the water on- it'll fester up eventually. We are losing about a gallon and a half a minute...not good- but it could be worse. Afterward I ran back down to Sioux Falls and Mom and I loaded up my desk to go to Brookings. I headed back up here and she came shortly after me. We spent a couple hours on my room and got quite a bit done- enough to walk through the room and sleep here anyway.
It sounded like Merle got back home around 6:30 to the neighbors cattle in his winter pasture...how nice. Sounds like Ross was farming and nothing too exciting happened while he was gone.
It was interesting to wake up to a different room today-not really bad, just different. I had training for my job as an office assistan at the front desk of Hansen Hall all day long. They fed us two free SDSU meals...what a nice way to break us in- you can't forget about the lovely food here:s Someone who obviously has no idea that Hansen in the AG HALL decided to have this semesters theme be Mr. Rogers! If you don't know who that is google it- or perhaps just imagine a man in a sweater vest with puppets. Now don't get me wrong, I thought that Mr. Rogers was the most amazing thing ever (cuz it pretty much is) but not for the theme of a college dorm full of cowboys. So... I spent a good part of my afternoon painting King Friday's Castle on a huge sheet of paper for the "Welcome to Hansen Hall" sign...wow. I'm still not done and get to look forward to working on it tomorrow! lol ...oh well, it's sorta entertaining. At the end of our training day we went to a fire safety class and I felt smart! haha, I guess I must have learned something in the S130/190 classes. Afterward, they had a propane bath that they would light and made everyone put it out with a fire extinguisher...oooo aaaahhhh. Then, I came back to theh apartment and have since got most of my room ready to go. It's pretty small and cozy but oh well, it'll work. I met some of my neighbors and have already decided to share internet with them- awesome cuz it creates cheap bills and I have internet now! Sounds like they are pretty nice guys, so we might get along good with some neighbors- that would be cool.
Last I heard, Merle went over and helped Adrianne load out eight semi's this morning...wow. Not sure what's gone on since then:(
But, I need to hit the sack- more training and stuff to do tomorrow! I miss the ranch!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Last moments on the ranch :(
Well, this is it- my last ranch blog for the summer. I believe I will try to keep my blog up, but it won't be as detailed, and of course- won't have a whole lot of ranch info:( Sad day, but I'll do what I can!
My last day of work was a long one. We did chores as usual, and there wasn't a whole lot out of the ordinary going on. It was going to be a day to go to the hay field, but before we had to do the morning stuff. We help Ross get headed out with the chisel (the summer fallow really needed dug up again), bagged oats, moved vehicles around, got Ross's pickup out to him... and the rest of things that make you dink around and not get to where your going on time.
Before we even go to the field we came across some cow tracks and then a down wire..and then a cow. It looked like quite a few had been out there at the east corner of chief bears but she was the only one around in the hay millet. So, we played chase the cow with the pickup until we got her to run back through the fence- of course not at the same place that it was already down in the first place. We fixed both spots and decided that a pack of dogs probably ran the cows through that corner spot...nice. Apparently there are enough dogs around that aren't fed (not too hard to believe) that they pack up and do stuff like that once in a while. By the time we made it to the field and greased up, fueled up, and blew all the air filters clean it was like 10 or 10:30...but hey we got there.
We hayed until about 1:00 when we noticed Glen's cows had broke through the fence by the well and were out on the alfalfa we baled a day earlier. So, we quit and chased them back in. They had broken a post to get to the bales and we didn't have anything to fix it with, so Merle called the sale barn and they got ahold of Glen. He came out later and when we saw him we went down and helped put the post in and the fence back up. It was actually kinda nice because I got to see him before I left! So after we got all the girls back where they belong (at least temporarily) we hayed until about four when we finally finished up that field. We got about a bale an acre- for second cutting I think we did pretty good.
So, we went back to that windmill that Merle took apart the other day and put it back together. This time he had his little saftey belt so I didn't feel so bad about standing and watching him as the windmill whooshed around:s He managed to get it put back together on top, and then I lifted the darn thing so we could get it all hooked back up to the dumb and Voia La! After a few minutes of putting stuff away it worked. :) So we took off for home and did the evening chores. Here I am, on the last day on the ranch and my horse shows up with a swollen leg. I have no idea what he did or what stung/ poked him- but it was swollen. He didn't act lame at all, so I just put some DMSO on it and gave him some butte...who knows! Well, those two ate and I chatted with Ross for a bit and then went in to change clothes so that I could bring Merle into town to get the new pickup that we left in town the day before (forgot to mention that) to get a different trailer plug put in before we took off east river.
We got to town and sat down at the restuarant to have some supper- sometime during all of our conversing and chatting Ross and I had a minsunderstanding and he thought that Merle and I were coming for supper and I thought we weren't...so needless to say when Ross called looking for us things didn't go so well. But, I took the blame for it because I probably said the wrong thing and messed stuff up, I lost my appetite and felt awful, but that's how life goes.
By the time we got home I was soo shot- I definitly needed to pack, but instead I just went to bed and got up earlier this morning and ate and packed first thing. Merle did chores and got the pickup ready and all the other stuff while I packed and cleaned up the house. By the time we got it all loaded in the trailer and backed down in the yard we were already behind schedule...lol imagine that, I couldn't get out of there on time. We ended up loading up two horses. I got to thinking about how good of a babysitter Ace is for Joe, and how Merle was going to have to bring
Ace back out to pasture with the mares and thought maybe he could be put to good use. So, we decided it wouldn't be a half bad idea and loaded them up. lol- only I would last minute take someone's horse like that- but I think it'll be great cuz he'll get used and I'll have a babysitter and a work horse if I need one! - o good times, that was really nice of Merle.
So, we loaded up the ponies and got out of there around 9:30 (the new 8:00)! We stopped in Kadoka for fuel, Chamberlain for lunch, and Humboldt for fuel again. Otherwise it was a pretty smooth, quick trip. We had the two way portable radios so between that and the phone it went pretty fast. We made it back to the horse barn around 4 and stayed ther for about an hour and half visiting and having a tasty root beer float. The boys seemed to like the new pad; Joe still had his swollen leg, but we'll see what it looks like tomorrow. After finally getting unloaded and we finished visiting- which I might add was hillarious because Merle was like this shiny new toy or something- they (all the show horse girls) were all so facinated with a REAL cowboy- it was cute, not to mention that Courtney (Jayne's daughter) decided that she was absolutely in love with him because he had lots of horses. He sooo didn't know what he got himself into walking in there.
After we got out of there we stopped by my aunts and brought back some furniture of her's that I stole and then stopped by my place to show Merle around. I got to see the house for the first time after it was painted- I think it looks pretty good-- lots better than before anway! After those couple stops we finally headed up to Brookings. There were quite a few people that came over and helped unload so it didn't take long at all- that was really nice. I was able to unload and get Merle on his way before it go too late for him to find Nicole's place by Marion. All in all, it wasn't a bad day- move in went well and we got everyone and everything here pretty safe and sound. I am staying on a friends extra dorm bed tonight becuase I don't have anything set up in the apt yet and half the light arent' working...dont' know what the deal is there. So, I am pretty shot and I'm sure Merle is too. I think Ross farmed today on the ranch...that's the best ranch news I have.
I couldn't have asked for a better summer, a better place to work, or better people to work with. I loved all the parts of my job- even the things I didn't seem to want to do on certain days becuase in the long run the learning experience was worth it. I learned so much, and had the opportunity to do so many things I may have never ever done. It's normally hard to walk into a small community like that and try to fit in-but I was welcomed with open arms into the community and into a whole second family. I made life long friends and connections in just three short months! I think I will have a hard time staying away from a place I enjoy so much- and will miss it terribly. I could go on and on, but long story short- I loved it!
I hope that my blog was somewhat interesting or at least entertaining. I still plan to post some more cattle photos and sturgis pictures when I get my own internet and computer running this week. I will keep this up as often as I can- maybe daily yet- guess we'll see.
Thanks for Reading! :)
My last day of work was a long one. We did chores as usual, and there wasn't a whole lot out of the ordinary going on. It was going to be a day to go to the hay field, but before we had to do the morning stuff. We help Ross get headed out with the chisel (the summer fallow really needed dug up again), bagged oats, moved vehicles around, got Ross's pickup out to him... and the rest of things that make you dink around and not get to where your going on time.
Before we even go to the field we came across some cow tracks and then a down wire..and then a cow. It looked like quite a few had been out there at the east corner of chief bears but she was the only one around in the hay millet. So, we played chase the cow with the pickup until we got her to run back through the fence- of course not at the same place that it was already down in the first place. We fixed both spots and decided that a pack of dogs probably ran the cows through that corner spot...nice. Apparently there are enough dogs around that aren't fed (not too hard to believe) that they pack up and do stuff like that once in a while. By the time we made it to the field and greased up, fueled up, and blew all the air filters clean it was like 10 or 10:30...but hey we got there.
We hayed until about 1:00 when we noticed Glen's cows had broke through the fence by the well and were out on the alfalfa we baled a day earlier. So, we quit and chased them back in. They had broken a post to get to the bales and we didn't have anything to fix it with, so Merle called the sale barn and they got ahold of Glen. He came out later and when we saw him we went down and helped put the post in and the fence back up. It was actually kinda nice because I got to see him before I left! So after we got all the girls back where they belong (at least temporarily) we hayed until about four when we finally finished up that field. We got about a bale an acre- for second cutting I think we did pretty good.
So, we went back to that windmill that Merle took apart the other day and put it back together. This time he had his little saftey belt so I didn't feel so bad about standing and watching him as the windmill whooshed around:s He managed to get it put back together on top, and then I lifted the darn thing so we could get it all hooked back up to the dumb and Voia La! After a few minutes of putting stuff away it worked. :) So we took off for home and did the evening chores. Here I am, on the last day on the ranch and my horse shows up with a swollen leg. I have no idea what he did or what stung/ poked him- but it was swollen. He didn't act lame at all, so I just put some DMSO on it and gave him some butte...who knows! Well, those two ate and I chatted with Ross for a bit and then went in to change clothes so that I could bring Merle into town to get the new pickup that we left in town the day before (forgot to mention that) to get a different trailer plug put in before we took off east river.
We got to town and sat down at the restuarant to have some supper- sometime during all of our conversing and chatting Ross and I had a minsunderstanding and he thought that Merle and I were coming for supper and I thought we weren't...so needless to say when Ross called looking for us things didn't go so well. But, I took the blame for it because I probably said the wrong thing and messed stuff up, I lost my appetite and felt awful, but that's how life goes.
By the time we got home I was soo shot- I definitly needed to pack, but instead I just went to bed and got up earlier this morning and ate and packed first thing. Merle did chores and got the pickup ready and all the other stuff while I packed and cleaned up the house. By the time we got it all loaded in the trailer and backed down in the yard we were already behind schedule...lol imagine that, I couldn't get out of there on time. We ended up loading up two horses. I got to thinking about how good of a babysitter Ace is for Joe, and how Merle was going to have to bring
Ace back out to pasture with the mares and thought maybe he could be put to good use. So, we decided it wouldn't be a half bad idea and loaded them up. lol- only I would last minute take someone's horse like that- but I think it'll be great cuz he'll get used and I'll have a babysitter and a work horse if I need one! - o good times, that was really nice of Merle.
So, we loaded up the ponies and got out of there around 9:30 (the new 8:00)! We stopped in Kadoka for fuel, Chamberlain for lunch, and Humboldt for fuel again. Otherwise it was a pretty smooth, quick trip. We had the two way portable radios so between that and the phone it went pretty fast. We made it back to the horse barn around 4 and stayed ther for about an hour and half visiting and having a tasty root beer float. The boys seemed to like the new pad; Joe still had his swollen leg, but we'll see what it looks like tomorrow. After finally getting unloaded and we finished visiting- which I might add was hillarious because Merle was like this shiny new toy or something- they (all the show horse girls) were all so facinated with a REAL cowboy- it was cute, not to mention that Courtney (Jayne's daughter) decided that she was absolutely in love with him because he had lots of horses. He sooo didn't know what he got himself into walking in there.
After we got out of there we stopped by my aunts and brought back some furniture of her's that I stole and then stopped by my place to show Merle around. I got to see the house for the first time after it was painted- I think it looks pretty good-- lots better than before anway! After those couple stops we finally headed up to Brookings. There were quite a few people that came over and helped unload so it didn't take long at all- that was really nice. I was able to unload and get Merle on his way before it go too late for him to find Nicole's place by Marion. All in all, it wasn't a bad day- move in went well and we got everyone and everything here pretty safe and sound. I am staying on a friends extra dorm bed tonight becuase I don't have anything set up in the apt yet and half the light arent' working...dont' know what the deal is there. So, I am pretty shot and I'm sure Merle is too. I think Ross farmed today on the ranch...that's the best ranch news I have.
I couldn't have asked for a better summer, a better place to work, or better people to work with. I loved all the parts of my job- even the things I didn't seem to want to do on certain days becuase in the long run the learning experience was worth it. I learned so much, and had the opportunity to do so many things I may have never ever done. It's normally hard to walk into a small community like that and try to fit in-but I was welcomed with open arms into the community and into a whole second family. I made life long friends and connections in just three short months! I think I will have a hard time staying away from a place I enjoy so much- and will miss it terribly. I could go on and on, but long story short- I loved it!
I hope that my blog was somewhat interesting or at least entertaining. I still plan to post some more cattle photos and sturgis pictures when I get my own internet and computer running this week. I will keep this up as often as I can- maybe daily yet- guess we'll see.
Thanks for Reading! :)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Semi Productive...
Sunday...was one of those days when I got something done but I know I could've done more... yeah.
So, I got up and did chores and then headed back in to get ready for church. While I was at church, Merle strung salt and mineral in the big unit for the black cows. When I got home I went straight to packing...not fun. Not only do I hate packing, but don't want to leave and go to school:( But, that's the way it is- so I packed until dinner time, ate, took a nap (absolutely ridiculous and uneccesary but I did it anyway) then, went back and packed for another hour or two. Merle was actually getting things done during this time, stringing salt, poisoning prairie dogs and working on a windmill...as for me- didn't get too much accomplished.
I did evening chores and ate supper and called it a day. I did get quite a bit packed, but will have plenty to do tonight yet:( It seems as thought things just don't go back in the boxes the same way they fit when I brought them here.
Today will be my last day on the ranch for the summer! I better make it a good one- I'm headed to the hay field!
So, I got up and did chores and then headed back in to get ready for church. While I was at church, Merle strung salt and mineral in the big unit for the black cows. When I got home I went straight to packing...not fun. Not only do I hate packing, but don't want to leave and go to school:( But, that's the way it is- so I packed until dinner time, ate, took a nap (absolutely ridiculous and uneccesary but I did it anyway) then, went back and packed for another hour or two. Merle was actually getting things done during this time, stringing salt, poisoning prairie dogs and working on a windmill...as for me- didn't get too much accomplished.
I did evening chores and ate supper and called it a day. I did get quite a bit packed, but will have plenty to do tonight yet:( It seems as thought things just don't go back in the boxes the same way they fit when I brought them here.
Today will be my last day on the ranch for the summer! I better make it a good one- I'm headed to the hay field!
Hay Again
OK- Saturday.
Friday night was a short one. We got back from the races really late, then at about 2:30 (right after I fell asleep) the pager went off three times. The last time was for the fire department. Pine Ridge needed assistance on hwy 18 north of Martin for a car wreck. Apparently the car was upside down in a 100ft drop off. They had found four of the people but one was still missing...found out later the guy was drunk and walking down the road. We decided not to go because we were both running on less than an hour of sleep and it was a loong ways away. Besides, I can't say that I know how to repel. So, anyway the pager went off and then my phone rang around 5. It was just plain impossible to get sleep but life goes on.
A hay day. We did chores and went straight out to the hay field if I remember right. We finished up the rest of one field and did all that we could on another. It was a hard decision because the leaves were just getting dry enough that we couldn't wait any longer, but the hay was still green. We ended up baling all of it- but probably shouldn't have- that was just the time when it would work, so that's how it goes I guess. Ross windrowed the whole time that we put up the old hay. We finished that and before we headed for home we stopped at a windmill that needed work. So there I was watching Merle climb this windmill in like 20mph wind...not so fun. Convieniently, the wind was blowing just right so that the hole where your head comes out to climb on top the the windmill wings right above it. That made getting down quite the task- but he made it. Ever felt completely helpless watching something...yep that was my job, watch and catch if fallen~lol don't think that would work out too well. But he got it taken apart and got down, we also successfully got windmill grease on everything...then went home.
The Pow Wow is going on down by bear creek and Merle was invited to the meal but we were both so shot that it was a no go. After dinking around here for a while, we did chores and that about did it for the day.
Friday night was a short one. We got back from the races really late, then at about 2:30 (right after I fell asleep) the pager went off three times. The last time was for the fire department. Pine Ridge needed assistance on hwy 18 north of Martin for a car wreck. Apparently the car was upside down in a 100ft drop off. They had found four of the people but one was still missing...found out later the guy was drunk and walking down the road. We decided not to go because we were both running on less than an hour of sleep and it was a loong ways away. Besides, I can't say that I know how to repel. So, anyway the pager went off and then my phone rang around 5. It was just plain impossible to get sleep but life goes on.
A hay day. We did chores and went straight out to the hay field if I remember right. We finished up the rest of one field and did all that we could on another. It was a hard decision because the leaves were just getting dry enough that we couldn't wait any longer, but the hay was still green. We ended up baling all of it- but probably shouldn't have- that was just the time when it would work, so that's how it goes I guess. Ross windrowed the whole time that we put up the old hay. We finished that and before we headed for home we stopped at a windmill that needed work. So there I was watching Merle climb this windmill in like 20mph wind...not so fun. Convieniently, the wind was blowing just right so that the hole where your head comes out to climb on top the the windmill wings right above it. That made getting down quite the task- but he made it. Ever felt completely helpless watching something...yep that was my job, watch and catch if fallen~lol don't think that would work out too well. But he got it taken apart and got down, we also successfully got windmill grease on everything...then went home.
The Pow Wow is going on down by bear creek and Merle was invited to the meal but we were both so shot that it was a no go. After dinking around here for a while, we did chores and that about did it for the day.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
PIckin' up the Pickup
Today was a little bit of a change of pace. We did chores, and by that time Merle had decided that he wanted to go and get his new pickup (the one that I mentioned was ordered a month or so ago) in Belle Fourche. So... I had to run out to the hay field by Hisle Dam to get fuel to Ross, and run home and change and we headed out. It took us the full three hours to get there, and we stopped to eat on the way too- so that added some time. When we got up to the dealership, the deal was we wanted to get out of there asap so that we could get the pickup down to Blake's Trailer Repair and have them put the ball in it right away before they closed. So, we pull in and Merle asks if there is any way that the pickup could be taken right away while he filled out the paper work and the guys says: yeah, no problem. He moves is out into the parking lot and hands me the keys! Seriously...I hopped into a brand new (9 miles on it) 2010, red, four door F350- sweet! I drove it all the way back to Rapid with and through town to Blake's Trailer Sales- I cannot tell you how white my kuckles were driving that brand new pickup through Rapid, but it wasn't any worse for the wear! I got there and they started putting in the ball right away. After he had finished the paperwork and made some other quick stops, Merle showed up. It didn't take them long after that and it was ready to go~pretty cool. So, he let's me continue to drive it out of town to a shed where we parked it for the rest of the night until we left town.
I hopped in the other pickup and we headed back in. It was the first day of the Central States Fair today, so we stopped by there to kill an hour or so before the races (the big planned event of the week). The fair was pretty nice because there weren't many people around yet, but on the downside I don't think that all the vendors were neccesarily in full swing- but, non the less it was cool. After about an hour or so there we stopped at the Valley Sports Bar and Grill and ate a pretty tasty supper, then headed over to the race track. We met Harv and Carol there and found some pretty good seats in the grandstands. Since I love the races, and I haven't been to one in over two- maybe three years- I had a lot of fun! There were some pretty good races, and lots of close calls and burnouts. No one got hurt, well except some person in the stands that they called an emt for - no idea what was going on there. But, otherwise they were pretty clean fun, and I had great company, so that was fun too!
But, the races got done about 10:45ish and we started back for the new pickup that we left at a friends shed on the way home. I hopped back in it, and we followed each other back. Merle said he talked on the phone to Harv most of the way (no wonder I couldn't get ahold of him- lol), rather than talking on the phone I ate like 1,000 sunflower seeds, cranked the ac so I was freezing, and blared the radio. It worked- but results in a numb mouth, freezing body, and more hearing damage to already sore ears! haha, what a mess. But, we made it the two hours home with no problems, and I am sure glad because there isn't a grill guard or anything on that pickup yet. In fact, I got to thinking about how much work a new vehicle really is around here- just because we got it from the dealership and it runs doesn't mean it's ready. It still needs a bed liner, already got the ball; it'll maybe need mud flaps, new tires, a radio, running boards, and new bumpers/guards. Yeah...it's definitly not ranch proof yet, but it's good enough for what we needed it for.
The reason we went up in such a hurry like today is becasue the Ford garage doesn't think they will have Merle's pickup ready to bring me home on Tuesday, and he wanted to pick this four door up while he still had someone around to drive it back- so it'll work out good. As far as the pikcup itself goes: it runs like a top, the cab is so quiet you wouldn't even know it was a diesel, and it shifts so amazingly smooth- lots of fun to drive, but a little nerve racking. Now, I can say I put the first 120 miles on that thing before Merle even drove it! lol- cannot believe he trusted me to take that thing!
But, I think it's my bedtime, a busy day- not too difficult, but there was a lot of running. Not sure what tomorrow may bring- guess we'll see:) It was a fun day and a great time at the races!
I hopped in the other pickup and we headed back in. It was the first day of the Central States Fair today, so we stopped by there to kill an hour or so before the races (the big planned event of the week). The fair was pretty nice because there weren't many people around yet, but on the downside I don't think that all the vendors were neccesarily in full swing- but, non the less it was cool. After about an hour or so there we stopped at the Valley Sports Bar and Grill and ate a pretty tasty supper, then headed over to the race track. We met Harv and Carol there and found some pretty good seats in the grandstands. Since I love the races, and I haven't been to one in over two- maybe three years- I had a lot of fun! There were some pretty good races, and lots of close calls and burnouts. No one got hurt, well except some person in the stands that they called an emt for - no idea what was going on there. But, otherwise they were pretty clean fun, and I had great company, so that was fun too!
But, the races got done about 10:45ish and we started back for the new pickup that we left at a friends shed on the way home. I hopped back in it, and we followed each other back. Merle said he talked on the phone to Harv most of the way (no wonder I couldn't get ahold of him- lol), rather than talking on the phone I ate like 1,000 sunflower seeds, cranked the ac so I was freezing, and blared the radio. It worked- but results in a numb mouth, freezing body, and more hearing damage to already sore ears! haha, what a mess. But, we made it the two hours home with no problems, and I am sure glad because there isn't a grill guard or anything on that pickup yet. In fact, I got to thinking about how much work a new vehicle really is around here- just because we got it from the dealership and it runs doesn't mean it's ready. It still needs a bed liner, already got the ball; it'll maybe need mud flaps, new tires, a radio, running boards, and new bumpers/guards. Yeah...it's definitly not ranch proof yet, but it's good enough for what we needed it for.
The reason we went up in such a hurry like today is becasue the Ford garage doesn't think they will have Merle's pickup ready to bring me home on Tuesday, and he wanted to pick this four door up while he still had someone around to drive it back- so it'll work out good. As far as the pikcup itself goes: it runs like a top, the cab is so quiet you wouldn't even know it was a diesel, and it shifts so amazingly smooth- lots of fun to drive, but a little nerve racking. Now, I can say I put the first 120 miles on that thing before Merle even drove it! lol- cannot believe he trusted me to take that thing!
But, I think it's my bedtime, a busy day- not too difficult, but there was a lot of running. Not sure what tomorrow may bring- guess we'll see:) It was a fun day and a great time at the races!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Hay Day
Today was pretty cut and dry...literally and figuratively!
We did chores as usual and then moved out to the hay field. We were in some pretty wet and thin spots, so Ross came out and dump raked while I used the V rake and Merle baled. The hay was dry and cured for the most part but it was hard to do because we were really tearing up the field. But, what can you do? If you want the hay I guess you just deal with making the field rough (next year someone is going to hate me for that). We cleared that field off pretty quick, then picked everything up and moved south of the Hisle Dam pasture in that big hay field. We spent the rest of the day there and managed to get everything up that was ready to be baled without any trouble. Ross windrowed the whole time and went back after we were done too. I'm sure he has quite a bit down now too. This second cutting hay isn't too bad- we've been getting about a bale an acre, which isn't a whole lot, but the hay is good quality and thicker in some spots. After all, not everyone can be as cool as us east river people and cut three or four times!
There was cell reception in that field so I definitly got some phone calls made and stuff...kinda nice. Anyway, we got out of there at about four and headed back home. We did chores a little early because there was a picnic we were invited to through the fire department at the LaCreek Refuge. It's a national wildlife refuge just a few miles south of Martin. I hadn't been there yet, but it was worth the wait. Since it was a picnic, we spent most of the time mingling with people and stuff..this was nice, good food, good company. I'm even getting so that I know people when we go places-that's really nice, and a lot of fun. I was able to meet a few people there too last night. After we ate we went out and climbed the lookout tour there. It stands about 115ft tall with 132 steps (I counted so who knows if that's accurate). It is one of like 5 or 6 left standing in the nation. They used to use them as lookout tours for fires and different things, but now it's just for tourism. This one was just rebuilt a year or so ago, so it's really nice to climb and see. I need to post the pictures I took as well as my Sturgis ones very very soon. I swear I'll get it done when I have an hour to do it! :) But anyway, the tour was cool- it's the same kind of one that is only partially left on Eagles Nest Butte that I was talking about- in fact we found out last night that they may have moved the top half of that tour to Porcupine Butte- interesting.
But, it started to get dark so we headed home. That pretty much concludes the day, it sounds like we're going to string some salt and mineral this morning because there isn't any hay cured at the moment. I better head out- late for chores!
We did chores as usual and then moved out to the hay field. We were in some pretty wet and thin spots, so Ross came out and dump raked while I used the V rake and Merle baled. The hay was dry and cured for the most part but it was hard to do because we were really tearing up the field. But, what can you do? If you want the hay I guess you just deal with making the field rough (next year someone is going to hate me for that). We cleared that field off pretty quick, then picked everything up and moved south of the Hisle Dam pasture in that big hay field. We spent the rest of the day there and managed to get everything up that was ready to be baled without any trouble. Ross windrowed the whole time and went back after we were done too. I'm sure he has quite a bit down now too. This second cutting hay isn't too bad- we've been getting about a bale an acre, which isn't a whole lot, but the hay is good quality and thicker in some spots. After all, not everyone can be as cool as us east river people and cut three or four times!
There was cell reception in that field so I definitly got some phone calls made and stuff...kinda nice. Anyway, we got out of there at about four and headed back home. We did chores a little early because there was a picnic we were invited to through the fire department at the LaCreek Refuge. It's a national wildlife refuge just a few miles south of Martin. I hadn't been there yet, but it was worth the wait. Since it was a picnic, we spent most of the time mingling with people and stuff..this was nice, good food, good company. I'm even getting so that I know people when we go places-that's really nice, and a lot of fun. I was able to meet a few people there too last night. After we ate we went out and climbed the lookout tour there. It stands about 115ft tall with 132 steps (I counted so who knows if that's accurate). It is one of like 5 or 6 left standing in the nation. They used to use them as lookout tours for fires and different things, but now it's just for tourism. This one was just rebuilt a year or so ago, so it's really nice to climb and see. I need to post the pictures I took as well as my Sturgis ones very very soon. I swear I'll get it done when I have an hour to do it! :) But anyway, the tour was cool- it's the same kind of one that is only partially left on Eagles Nest Butte that I was talking about- in fact we found out last night that they may have moved the top half of that tour to Porcupine Butte- interesting.
But, it started to get dark so we headed home. That pretty much concludes the day, it sounds like we're going to string some salt and mineral this morning because there isn't any hay cured at the moment. I better head out- late for chores!
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